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

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Sophie Wood Liz Frost (Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of the West of England)

Participatory Approaches in Child and Family Social Work

Creating Meaningful Relationships and Empowering Families

Sophie Wood, Liz Frost (Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of the West of England), Hayley Pert (University of the West of England (UWE)) , David Westlake (Cardiff University)

$165.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Policy Press
13 January 2026

Age groups: children; Child welfare; Social work

Rooted in original empirical research, this edited volume argues for collaborative, relationship-based practice. It explores participatory methods, innovative advocacy strategies and emerging trends, including digital platforms and post-COVID-19 developments.

Contributions by: Sophie Wood, Liz Frost (Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of the West of England), Hayley Pert (University of the West of England (UWE)), David Westlake (Cardiff University), Melissa Meindl (Cardiff University)
Imprint: Policy Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781447373377
ISBN 10: 1447373375
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 13 January 2026
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Further / Higher Education , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1. Introduction - Hayley Pert, Clive Diaz, Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Shane Powell Part One: Foundations and Contemporary Challenges 2. Understanding variation and high rates of children in care - Sophie Wood 3. Contemporary challenges in Social Work service delivery to children and families - Liz Frost 4. Participation and decision making - Hayley Pert Part Two: Advocacy and Family Participation 5. Family Drug and Alcohol Courts – Dave Westlake and Melissa Meindl 6. Family Group Conferences – Lorna Stabler, Tim Fisher and Kar Man Au 7. Parent Activism in Child Welfare - David Tobis and Fae Rowley 8. Parent Activism for Policy and System Change in Child Welfare – David Tobis and Fae Rowley 9. Peer Parental Advocacy in Child and Family Social Work: Shane Powell, Clive Diaz, Tim Fisher, Kar Man Au and Jourdelle Bennett 10. Advocacy for children in Care– Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Lorna Stabler Part Three: Rights, Advocacy and Innovation 11. Children in Care Councils - Clive Diaz, Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Elen Newton 12. Digital Platforms in Social Work– Sammi: Fitz-Symonds, Verity Bennett and Shane Powell 13. Conclusion – Tim Fisher and Clive Diaz

Clive Diaz is Professor of Social Work at Swansea University. Sammi Fitz-Symonds is Research Associate in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University. Tim Fisher is National Practice Lead at Kinship and founder of Relational Activism.

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

“This thought-provoking book provides a compelling argument for the centrality of participatory practices with children, families and communities. Bringing together a range of contributors, models of practice are presented, systemic barriers discussed and fundamental values reaffirmed. This book is a must-read for students, practitioners and policy makers.” Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway, University of London “An essential contribution to participatory scholarship – bridging theory, practice and lived experience with clarity, compassion and conviction.” Lisa Merkel-Holguin, University of Colorado Anschutz