Reflective practice has moved from the margins to the mainstream of professional education. However, in this process, its radical potential has been subsumed by individualistic, rather than situated, understandings of practice. Presenting critical perspectives that challenge the current paradigm, this book aims to move beyond reflective practice. It proposes new conceptualisations and offers fresh approaches relevant across professions. Contributors include both academics and practitioners concerned with the training and development of professionals.

Definitions of...

This volume explores the range of care options for young people who are, for a variety of reasons, unable to live with their parents. It puts these issues in a global context, and makes suggestions for improving the system. It will be of interest to researchers and students of developmental and social psychology, social work, and also to policy makers and all those who work with children in care.

The first book to provide a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of children's social care in England following the introduction of Every Child Matters and the 2007 Children's Plan

Rethinking Children and Families considers the way we approach the complex relationship between childhood, families and the state, and explores the contested nature of the terms childhood, family and state. Theoretical and practice-based perspectives are discussed within the context of recent key developments. Examples of research, reflections on research and key points and guidance on further reading make this a really accessible text.

Rethinking Children and Families is essential reading for those studying childhood at undergraduate and graduate level, and...

First published in 1999, the overall aim of the book is to provide a comprehensive critical guide to the theory and practice of residential care. This is achieved by analysing the history and development of residential child care, examining the current legislative framework and analysing research. The volume has been written against the background of a crisis of confidence in residential child care. The system is often seen as facing perpetual problems of abuse, lack of control and crime. This book seeks to both understand and respond to this challenging situation. Understanding Residential...