Working with Vulnerable Families embodies the universal edict - that for societies to flourish we must enhance the opportunities for our children to reach their physical, intellectual, emotional and social potential. For families facing issues of marginalisation, poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol dependence or mental illness, such ideals can seem particularly daunting. In a thoroughly candid and engaging style, this ground-breaking text transcends narrow professional boundaries to demonstrate how those working in diverse health, education and social welfare settings can work collaboratively with one another and with parents to protect, nurture and support young children from birth to 8 years. The book draws together a broad range of research-based theory, practice wisdom and successful real-world exemplars to explicate the core values, knowledge and skills required when working with families with multiple and complex needs.
Prevention of child abuse is among the most difficult challenges facing contemporary societies. In this ground-breaking book, leading experts on child abuse provide powerful insights not only into the problem, but more importantly, on the prospects for addressing its solution." Alan Hayes, Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies
Some of the chapters are:
These letters are a small fragment of the vast correspondence known to have taken place between lone voyager Vasco Pyjama and his friend and mentor Mr Curly of Curly Flat. While domestic contentment and ease with the natural world are Mr Curly's major attributes, Vasco's restless nature has compelled him into a great voyage of discovery. In the company of his direction-finding duck, he has wandered far and wide, risking, finding, enjoying and observing much. Theirs is a language of unique personal protocol, as is often found in conversations between... More info
In this varied collection, the authors note their shift from social constructionism to a post-structuralist view. The papers are explorations of narrative therapy theory and practice, with detailed examples of therapeutic work with heterosexual couples. 'Couple' work is placed in context, gender issues are examined (in particular, how patriarchal gender stories interfere in relationship), and the goal of minimising hierarchical structures in the therapeutic situation is explained. Useful exercises are given for direct experience of narrative work. Throughout, the aim is to help people inhabit stories that offer more choices... More info
This book is a sequel to The Aware Baby, and focuses on children from two to eight years of age. Now translated into Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Romanian, and Spanish, it provides much useful advice for coping with day-to-day problems, as well as guidelines for helping children reach their highest potential. You will learn how to help your children grow up to be compassionate, competent, nonviolent, and drug free while maintaining a relationship of mutual respect with them. This book will teach you how to: Increase your child's desire... More info
