Social Work and Community Development
Policy Press is committed to ‘making a difference’ in social work and community development, with a list that aims to take forward academic thinking, and raise challenging questions for policy and practice.
Assistive technology and telecare
Forging solutions for independent living
Assistive technology and telecare are of increasing importance in government policy on healthcare provision. This report provides a comprehensive review and analysis of current policy and practice, as well as making recommendations for the future.
Children caring for parents with mental illness
Perspectives of young carers, parents and professionals
This is the first in-depth study of children and young people caring for parents affected by severe and enduring mental illness. Drawing on primary research data collected from 40 families, the book presents the perspectives of children (young carers), their parents and the key professionals in contact with them.
Social alarms to telecare
Older people's services in transition
Social policy agendas have generally failed to take account of the actual or potential role played by social alarms and telecare.
This book draws on research and practice throughout the developed world. It documents the emergence of these important technologies and considers their potential in healthcare, social welfare and housing.
Explaining ethnic differences
Changing patterns of disadvantage in Britain
Recent urban disturbances, concerns about the fate of asylum seekers and renewed debates about the nature of ethnic identity and citizenship have all combined to give ethnic differences a high public and policy profile. This book explores the diverse experiences of ethnic disadvantage and challenges common assumptions.
Child protection and mental health services
Interprofessional responses to the needs of mothers
This book examines interprofessional work with families in which mothers have a mental health problem and where there are also concerns about child protection. Breakdowns in interprofessional collaboration, issues of risk and resources are all addressed. Mothers' views and experiences are contrasted with professional perspectives.
Making a difference?
Exploring the impact of multi-agency working on disabled children with complex health care needs, their families and the professionals who support them
Many health, education and social service initiatives aim to implement better multi-agency working between agencies and professionals. But what difference does this sort of change make to those on the receiving end? This book explores the impact of multi-agency working on disabled children and the families and professionals who support them.
'It pays dividends'
Direct payments and older people
Drawing on interviews with older people, local authority care managers and direct payments support service workers, this topical report looks at how older people use direct payments and how they make them work.
Health, well-being and older people
With moves towards greater integration of health and social care services, there is a need for improved understanding of the importance of a person-centred, holistic approach to these fields. This accessible text provides readers across the health and social care professions with a guide to understanding the value of this approach.
Care
Personal lives and social policy
This book considers how normative assumptions about the meanings, practices and relationships of care are embedded in our everyday lives. It explores ways in which these shape our sense of self and the nature of our relations. It also examines how social policy and welfare practices construct relations and give or deny them meaning and validity.
The health and social care divide
The experiences of older people
Improving partnership working between health and social care agencies has recently gained increased impetus as a result of New Labour's commitment to joined-up government. This book provides a detailed but accessible introduction to policy and practice at the interface between health and social care.
A new deal for children?
Re-forming education and care in England, Scotland and Sweden
Important reforms are taking place in children's services in the UK, with a move towards greater integration. In England, Scotland and Sweden, early childhood education and care, childcare for older children, and schools are now the responsibility of education departments. This book is the first to examine this major shift in policy.
Social work and Irish people in Britain
Historical and contemporary responses to Irish children and families
Dominant social work and social care discourses on 'race' and ethnicity often fail to incorporate an Irish dimension. This book challenges this omission and provides new insights into how social work has engaged with Irish children and their families, historically and to the present day.