Social Work Books

This book has now sold over 100,000 copies in various editions, and deservedly so as it is the clearest guide for the beginning social researcher available. Originally written in relation to educational research, its relevance for those beginning to do research on social work and social science, early years and  health courses generally quickly became clear – hence its reprinting and revising through later editions.

The book is split into three sections – Preparing the Ground (which includes consideration of ethical issues);  Selecting Methods of Data Collection (particularly those suitable for a lone researcher with limited resources) ; and Interpreting the Evidence and reporting the Findings. Thus the researcher is taken on a step by step guide through the process from idea to preparation to design to execution to completion.

It is clearly the book of choice for those beginning a small research project – and is ideal for final year undergraduate students who have to produce a data based dissertation.

Some research texts over complicate, some oversimplify, this book demystifies research but does not dumb it down, hence its success – highly recommended.

To see the book at Amazon click on the book cover link below:

Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science

This well written and thoughtful book describes and discusses the implications of attachment theory for understanding and responding to child abuse and neglect.  Recent research, which Howe draws upon, has highlighted the need for understanding the ways in which  neuroscience can help understand the impacts of abuse and neglect, and poor attachment, on children. He also discussed how behavioural, emotional, cognitive and systems -based approaches can aid attachment-based interventions in children’s lives.

This book will be of interest and use for all of those working, or studying to work with,   children and families.

Click the link below to view the book at Amazon:

Child Abuse and Neglect: Attachment, Development and Intervention

The Child’s World: The Comprehensive Guide to Assessing Children in Need

The previous edition of this book was a bestseller, and this new, updated edition is also deservedly destined to become one too.

The assessment of children and families is a key area in much professional activity, and this book highlights the policy, practice, legal and research implications for those assessing children with regard to The Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families.

As such, it will receive a ready readership within the UK from those working in child and adult social work, social care, early years, health and education, and it will als be a valuable source of information for students  training to work in these areas.

However, the book will be of interest and use outside the UK as well, providing as it does a readable, up to date text which will assist all those involved, and interested in, child and family assessment.

The Child’s World: The Comprehensive Guide to Assessing Children in Need

Making Sense of Every Child Matters. Multi-professional practice guidance

★★★★

Edited by Richard Barker, The Policy Press 2009, ISBN 978184742011

“Charlotte Pearson Review – “Community Care” – 2009 -

This collection examines the implications of the Every Child Matters national and local framework for working with children.

The editor Richard Barker provides the text to the opening and closing chapters. These contributions frame the text well and, along with his shared contributions to chapter nine, offer the reader valuable information and clarity of process.

Sue Barker’s chapter was one highlight for me. This focuses on Sure Start children’s centres and the Every Child Matters framework. Barker expertly guides the reader through issues including: the history of Sure Start what the centres look like (which is valuable due to the huge variation which exists in terms of buildings and models) and staffing structures and associated recruitment challenges.

Each of the book’s contributions are well written by people with vast knowledge and experience. They are accessible, engaging and help the reader to fully grasp the Every Child Matters agenda and its implications for a broad range of agencies.

Making Sense… is very much an example of a book doing just what it says on the label. It is a must-have for all those working with, planning for or studying the health and social care of children and their families.”

Click on the book cover link below to go to the book at Amazon:

Whilst this is not the newest book on child abuse it remains the best one for students (and practitioners) wishing to have an introduction to this area, as the content is not dated and the structure of the book clearly makes sense of this sometimes difficult topic.  Brain Corby – who sadly died several years ago – thoughtfully and thoroughly describes and analyses different perspectives on child abuse and the practice and policy issues that arise from them. The book is available from Amazon by clicking the link below

Child Abuse: Towards a Knowledge Base

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