Critical Social Work with Children and Families

“Rogowski ... has come up trumps with this latest work which focuses on children and family work in the UK ... the book is a useful complement to the contemporary UK radical literature in its attempt to bridge the divide between the academic standpoint of those works and the actualities of practice." British Journal of Social Work

“... a much needed contribution to social work knowledge." Journal of Social Policy

“A valuable contribution to social work literature and is particularly timely in the current economic and social climate." Laura Davis, Senior Practitioner Social Worker, Emergency Duty Service

“Steve Rogowski provides an urgent, powerful and critical connection of theory and practice, set in its historical and political context by a real social worker about real social problems with real service users." Kevin Brown, MCI Management Center Innsbruck

“In a rapidly changing world, it is excellent to see an updated “Critical Social Work with Children and Families” which offers a comprehensive critical perspective and rich resources for students and practitioners of child and family social work.” Liz Beddoe, University of Auckland

“Contemporary developments in social work mean that a critical perspective is more important than ever, and this new edition places this perspective front and centre.” Joe Hanley, The Open University

“Another informed, experienced and punchy performance, this book is typical Rogowski. Highly recommended.” Paul Michael Garrett, University of Galway

“Steve Rogowski has written an interesting history of radical and critical social work. Its focus on children and families draws mainly on developments in the UK, but it has resonance for those working in the difficult area of child-protection elsewhere. His calls for understanding the failure of neoliberalism to enhance well-being are crucial to the development of alternative forms of practice." Professor Lena Dominelli, University of Durham

“An insightful overview of some of the key issues child and family social workers and managers face in current practice.” Clive Diaz, Cardiff University

“Steve Rogowski writes with characteristic commitment, clarity and vision. Here we have sharp analysis along with an invaluable guide to practice consistent with the emancipatory principles of modern radical social work." Mary Langan, Faculty of Social Sciences, The Open University

“An inspiring and essential read for all social workers who really seek to make a difference in the lives of those we aim to support and empower.” Tracee Green, Centre for Child Protection

Steve Rogowski practiced as a social worker, mainly with children and families, across five decades and has published widely in a variety of social work and social policy journals and magazines.

He is now an independent scholar with three published books on social work: Social Work: The Rise and Fall of a Profession? Second Edition (2020): Social Work with Children and Families: Reflections of a Critical Practitioner (2016); and Critical Social Work with Children and Families: Theory, Context and Practice, First Edition (2013).

1. Introduction: Critical Social Work and Why We Need It

Part 1: Theory and Context

2. Critical Social Work: Theory and Concepts

3. Critical Social Work in the Neoliberal World: Challenging Times

Part 2: Practice Considerations

4. Child Protection and Contextual Safeguarding Responses to Extra-Familial Harm

5. Looked-After Children and Care Leavers

6. Children in Need and Those With Mental Health Issues

7. Young Offenders and Youth Justice

8. Asylum-Seeking and Refugee Children and Families

9. Disabled Children and Families

10 Conclusion: Critical Social Work and Its Future