Social Work with Children and Their Families: Pragmatic Foundations / Edition 2

by Christopher G. Petr

Overview

An extensively revised version of the first edition, this text focuses on the practical foundational knowledge required to practice social work effectively in the complex and fast-changing world of services to children and their families. The core organizing framework consists of eight pragmatic perspectives: combating adultcentrism, family-centered practice, the strengths perspective, respect for diversity and difference, the least restrictive alternative, ecological perspective, organization and financing, and achieving outcomes. Unlike most texts that focus either on direct practice or on policy, Petr's revised volume integrates current policy-including recent reform efforts-with "best practices." The student thus gains a deep appreciation for how direct social work practice is linked to, and even guided by, contemporary policy initiatives and the values that underscore those initiatives.

Two new chapters are devoted specifically to the fields of child welfare and children's mental health, providing an overview of the laws, policies, practices, and terminology pertaining to each setting.

The next eight chapters focus on each pragmatic perspective and its relevance to child welfare and children's mental health.

The in-depth case studies that comprise the concluding two chapters illustrate how typical client situations can be successfully addressed within the context of the pragmatic perspectives. Packed with case studies, specific practice instruction, chapter summaries, and suggested learning activities, this book prepares students and practitioners to think and act professionally in ways that are consistent with current laws, values, policies, and reform efforts in the field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195157550
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/18/2003
Series:	Sociology & Social Work
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 7.20(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	1380L (what's this?)

About the Author

University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Table of Contents

Preface
UNIT 1
1. Introduction to Social Work in Child and Family Settings
2. Social Work in Child Welfare Settings
3. Social Work with Children and Families in Children's Mental Health Settings
UNIT 2
4. Pragmatic Perspective #1: Combating Adultcentrism
5. Pragmatic Perspective #2: Family-Centered Practice
6. Pragmatic Perspectives #3: Strengths Perspective
7. Pragmatic Perspective #4: Respect for Diversity and Difference
8. Pragmatic Perspectives #5 Least Restrictive Alternative (LRA)
9. Pragmatic Perspective #6: Ecological Perspective
10. Pragmatic Perspectives #7: Organization and Financing
11. Pragmatic Perspective #8: Achieving Outcomes
UNIT 3
12. Connections: Case Examples from Child Welfare
13. Connections: Case Examples from Mental Health

Editorial Reviews

"Case examples excellent. Information summarized well in boxes throughout the text. Was challenging and interesting to both undergrads and graduates who have been working in the field for some time."—Susan Allen, WSU

"Wow—this is a great book. I'm very impressed and eager to use it."—Sandra Altshuler, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"Covers a wealth of areas relevant to practice with children and their families. It is clear and easy-to-read, which is substantial given its depth."—Jim Kreider, Kansas University

"The book does an excellent job at integrating policy and practice. Most importanly the book embraces the passion of a writer who is committed to children and families."—Venessa A. Brown, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

From the Publisher