Policy Press

Champions for Children

The Lives of Modern Child Care Pioneers

By Bob Holman

Published

Mar 6, 2013

Page count

272 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447309147

Dimensions

216 x 138 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Oct 31, 2001

Page count

232 pages

ISBN

978-1861343536

Dimensions

216 x 148 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 6, 2013

Page count

272 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447312598

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 6, 2013

Page count

272 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447312581

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Champions for Children

Numerous books have been written about Victorian child care pioneers, but few biographical studies have been published about more recent child care and welfare giants. In the revised edition of this classic book, Bob Holman, a champion for children in his own right, looks at the lives of six inspirational individuals who have made significant contributions to the well-being of disadvantaged children. Each of the six discussed - Eleanor Rathbone, Lady Marjory Allen, Clare Winnicott, John Stroud, Barbara Kahan and Peter Townsend - has been important in establishing present systems of child care and welfare, and in stimulating debate around issues which remain high on policy and practitioner agendas.

Champions for children is essential reading for childhood and youth studies, sociology of the family, social work, social welfare, academics and students with an interest in child care and welfare issues.

"Valuable and absorbing... it offers a powerful perspective on our current situation in relation to the welfare of children, and the dramatic disadvantage of many of the communities in which our children live." Regeneration & Renewal

"Holman's literary eulogy to his champions is a recommended read for anyone like me who has a background of working with children or who is involved in campaigning for their rights. It is as enlightening as it is interesting and this is another reason why many others, students and social readers alike, will enjoy this fine book." Christian Socialist

"It should be essential reading on every social work course, for the professional needs to understand what has been lost, but also to gain a vision for what would be possible if we learn from what has been contributed. Buy this book. Read it , and give it to others to read. It encourages and inspires." The Extra Mile

"Here is an endlessly absorbing and a characteristically passionately written book by an author who deserves his own rightful place among the 'champions for children'. That the challenges they confronted remain with us in the 21st century makes it all the more necessary to seek out the example of pioneers such as these." Terry Philpot, formerly Editor-in-Chief, now Consultant Editor, Community Care

"Bob Holman presents a fascinating and enlightening account of the lives and influences of a very diverse set of children's champions - feminists, socialists, public servants and academics. His book is a tapestry of progressive campaigns in twentieth-century British social policy and the complex crusaders who led them. Above all, it is informed by his own wisdom, experience and empathy. His outstanding contribution and his generous nature come through as clearly as the work of those he describes." Bill Jordan, Professor in Social Policy, Department of Social Work and Probation Studies, University of Exeter, UK

Bob Holman (d. 2017) served as Professor of Social Administration at the University of Bath, then started a community project in Bath. Later he established FARE (Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse). In 2011 he won The Daily Record Our Heroes award.

Preface;

Acknowledgements;

Eleanor Rathbone (1872-1946);

Marjory Allen (1897-1976);

Barbara Kahan (1920-2000);

John Stroud (1923-89);

Clare Winnicott (1906-84);

Peter Townsend (1928-2009);

Bob Holman (1936- ): A child care participant living through the changes;

Past, present and future.