Children and Families

Description

Recent years have witnessed a number of 'child protection' scandals where children, often from the poorest and most marginalised communities, have been on the receiving end of violence, abuse and social harm. In this short form book, part of the Critical and Radical Debates in Social Work series, Paul Michael Garrett looks at the impact of marketisation of social work services in both Ireland and England. He argues that marketisation has had a negative impact on policy regimes, working conditions, social work practices and on the services for vulnerable children and young people. Leading researchers from across the globe contribute to the debate and provide additional evidence from a range of policy regimes that catalogue the negative impact neoliberalism has had on children's services.

Paul Michael Garrett works at NUI Galway in the Republic of Ireland. He is the author of several books including Social Work and Social Theory (Policy Press, 2013). His work has appeared in academic journals across a range of disciplines. For a number of years he has been a member of the editorial collective of Critical Social Policy. He is also a member of the editorial board of the European Journal of Social Work.

"Paul Michael Garrett is a trenchant commentator on neo-liberalism, the welfare state and social work with children and families ... an excellent introductory text about what has happened to social work with children and families over recent decades. It is essential reading for all social work students and practitioners. Policy makers and managers should also check it out, though many will find it an uncomfortable read." Steve Rogowski, Social Worker (children and families) "They [Criticial and Radical Debates in Social Work series] are strong and deeply felt books that describe the current overwhelming sense of betrayal felt by so many citizens in this age of austerity and increasing poverty." Research, Policy and Planning "Taking a radical stance has never been more important in social work. This most timely and innovative series of internationally renowned authors makes a significant contribution to advancing a new politics of social work." Professor Stephen Webb, Chair in Social Work, Glasgow Caledonian University