Book: Participatory Approaches in Child and Family Social Work: Creating Meaningful Relationships and Empowering Families

Editors: Clive Diaz, Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Tim Fisher

Contributors: Sophie Wood, Liz Frost, Hayley Pert, David Westlake, Melissa Meindl Kar Man Au, Lorna Stabler, David Tobis, Fae Rowley, Jourdelle Bennett, Elen Newton and Shane Powell

Summary

Child and family social work is facing significant challenges, including rising numbers of children entering care — particularly from marginalised communities — and limited opportunities for families to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives. This raises an urgent question: how can social work develop in ways that better support and empower children and families?

Drawing on original empirical research, this edited collection makes a strong case for collaborative, relationship-based practice. It examines participatory ways of working with children and parents or caregivers, innovative advocacy approaches and emerging developments such as the growing use of digital platforms in social care.

Aimed at academics, policymakers and practitioners in child welfare and social work, the book offers evidence-informed guidance for creating more inclusive and family-centred services. Through interviews and observational research, it centres the voices of those directly involved in the social care system while providing practical tools to support more responsive, effective and ethical practice.

This book can be purchased at multiple retailers: Blackwells, Amazon UK, Bristol University Press