Childhood, Youth, and Social Work in Transformation

Childhood, Youth, and Social Work in Transformation marks a fresh approach in social work literature. Carefully grounding its research in the sociology of childhood and presenting fresh and exciting new approaches to social work practice with children and families, this volume makes an excellent text for social work courses on policy and practice with children and families. It reflects contemporary cultural, political, and economic realities of children and provides an excellent discussion of the historical context of the social construction of childhood. A groundbreaking piece of work. -- Elizabeth D. Hutchison, Virginia Commonwealth University This book is entirely unique in its inclusion of practice content and its coverage of diverse issues, populations, and settings. It is innovative in that it provides both historical and philosophical content while attempting to maintain a practice oriented (or practitioner-oriented) focus. In addition, the sustained attention devoted to the interplay between the macro, mezzo, and micro dimensions of practice is unusual. A very compelling case is made regarding present day 'de-contextualization' within social work practice, and the editors effectively provide information and ideas that prompt critical reflection. -- Leanne Wood Charlesworth, Nazareth College of Rochester, and editor of Challenges of Living: A Multidimensional Working Model for Social Workers

Social workers today not only face competing claims concerning the rights and needs of children and youth, but they also confront contradictions between policy and practice. Social workers are expected to fight for the best interests of the child, even though financial support for children's welfare and education grows scarce. They are asked to save "children at risk," while, at the same time, they are urged to protect communities from "risky children"; and they are encouraged to "leave no child behind," while also implementing "zero tolerance" policies to keep educational environments free from troubled youth. A cutting-edge text that deals directly with the confusion and complexity of modern child welfare, Childhood, Youth, and Social Work in Transformation features contributions from a truly interdisciplinary group of practitioners, scholars, and activists. Examining the theoretical, political, and practical aspects of working with youth today, this volume breaks free from existing modes of thought and strategies of practice and prompts readers to critically reflect on accepted approaches and new possibilities of action. Contributors analyze how economic, political, and cultural changes over the last several decades have reshaped the experiences and representations of children and youth in the United States. They examine conceptions of troubled children and youth in contemporary policies and programs and assess why certain discourses about troubling youth are so compelling to professionals, policymakers, and the public. In conclusion, these skilled professionals explore the reinvention of social work policy and practice, including the need to forge relationships that respect the experiences, rights, and personhood of children and youth.