Community Approaches to Child Welfare

Community Approaches to Child Welfare is written by both practitioners and academics to explore ways in which community-based, preventative approaches to child welfare can be used to support families experiencing behavioural problems with children or undergoing difficulties in raising them. Specific practice examples developed in Britain, Canada and Sweden provide an international dimension to this book. Comparing and contrasting developments within these countries reveal that there are both similarities in the methods adopted and difference in the ways in which these are applied. Common themes which appear across the stories that are presented include: the importance of ensuring cultural specificity to respond to identity issues and local traditions; the need to adhere to legislation that is country specific; the importance of dealing with some child welfare issues on an international basis, e.g. child abductions; and the importance of giving children the space within which to articulate their own 'voice.' Additionally, the book reveals how working with families from a community perspective which is centered in acknowledging children's rights and parental rights may challenge professionals in ways that they find uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the book concludes that practice can more effectively serve children's interests if parents and workers work in partnership with each other.

Marilyn Callahan is Professor of Social Work and Co-ordinator of the Child, Family and Community Research Group at the University of Victoria, Canada. Lena Dominelli, Professor of Social and Community Development, is President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work and the Director of the Centre for International Social and Community Development located in the Department of Social Work Studies at the University of Southampton, England Joan Gilroy retired in June 1998 as Director and Associate Professor at the Maritime School of Social Work at Dalhousie University, Canada to become an Honorary Professor. Greger Helin is an experienced practitioner who works with children and families in Stockholm, Sweden. He is the Co-ordinator for the Alvsjo Project, a Swedish neighbourhood located in the captial. Nicoline Isacson is an experienced social worker in the Alvsjo Project in Sweden. Shirley Jackson is a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Southampton, England. Bill Lee is Associate Professor of Social Work at the School of Social Work at McMaster University in Canada. Mehmoona Moosa-Mitha is an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, Canada. Paul Nixon is a Commissioning Officer for Family Group Conferences in Hampshire County Council Social Services Department in England. Marilyn Taylor is an experienced social worker and community worker, currently working in southern England. She has worked in the Family Group Conference (FGC) environment for several years and is currently a FGC Co-ordinator.