Published: 31 March, 2012
Social workers working with children and families are required to make complex and difficult decisions on a daily basis which often result in court proceedings. Social Work Decision-Making: A Guide for Childcare Lawyers is a comprehensive guide for lawyers and professionals seeking to understand the policies and procedures involved in such social work practice.
What's new in this edition?
The book has been fully revised and updated to take account of all relevant changes to law and practice including:
* The Laming report 2009
* Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Practice Direction 12A
* Public Law Proceedings Guide to Case Management 2010
* Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010
* Various revised volumes of Children Act 1989 guidance
* Best practice guidance Preparing for Care and Supervision Proceedings 2010
* Fostering and Adoption Regulations and Guidance 2010 and 2011
* Recommendations of the Family Justice Review 2011
* Munro Review of Child Protection 2011
The second edition also includes completely new chapters relating to contact, kinship placements and special guardianship.
“provides practitioners with a very useful road map through local authority terrain … a very useful resource for case preparation … it is invaluable” Association of Lawyers for Children
“a useful guide” CHILDRIGHT
“useful … well worth it” Professional Social Work
“a valuable reference … extremely accessible” Student Law Journal
"if you're a child care lawyer, your professional activity will inevitably invole liaison with and contact with social workers. This excellent book will help you understand the role and practice of the social worker ... clear and very readable volume ... extensive research resources ... meticulous footnotingand table of cases, statues and statutory instruments, plus a detailed index ... this book can certainly provide invaluable assistance to you in your day to day practice" Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers
"an incredibly helpful resource for any lawyer with a care practice" @NewStreet
The legal framework
Social work in practice
The referral to the Local Authority
Local authority investigations
Assessment
Child protection planning
Looked-after children
Fostering
Family and friends care arrangements
Contact
Adoption
Special guardianship
Leaving care
Analysis