Captive Clients

Social Work with Families of Children Home on Trial

June Thoburn

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English

Routledge
01 August 2025

Child welfare; Social work

Series: Routledge Library Editions: Family

Originally published in 1980 when about a third of all British children found to be in need of statutory care were living at home ‘on trial’ with parents or relatives. Still under-researched today, little had yet been written about these children, so this book, based on a detailed study of a sample of such children and their families, was welcomed by all who worked in the field of child care. It is especially concerned with the arguments about the ‘least detrimental alternative’ for children at risk.

After a summary of the debate about how best to help such children and a survey of the relevant research, tape-recorded comments of parents and social workers are used to describe emotional, health and environmental problems of the families and the help offered at various stages. Comments and discussions are included about the legal and administrative procedures; the social workers’ use of authority, and the parents’ reactions to it; the process of decision making; and the problem of child placement. The book concludes with the author’s suggestions about how the service to such families could be improved.

By: June Thoburn
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032530383
ISBN 10: 1032530383
Series: Routledge Library Editions: Family
Pages: 202
Publication Date: 01 August 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. The Theoretical Framework 2. Outline of the Study and Methods Used 3. Some Illustrative Case Studies 4. Parents and Children 5. The Process of Care: Its Impact on Parents and Children 6. The Social Workers and the Help They Offered 7. Decision-Making and Placement Policy 8. Who Goes Home? Some Conclusions and Suggestions for an Improved Service. Appendix I: The Legal Framework. Appendix II: Introductory Letter from the Director of Social Services. Notes. Bibliography. Index.