The Developing World of the Child

Written as part of a training pack for practitioners working in child care and child protection, and bringing together leading figures from a range of disciplines, this important text shows how the latest child development theories can be applied to professionals' working practice. Considering theories of development throughout the lifespan from the early years through to adolescence, and transitions to adulthood, this resource is essential reading for a range of professionals including social workers, teachers, and health and mental health professionals. The authors build up an integrated picture of the developing world of the child, looking at genetic and biological influences alongside individual psychological, interpersonal, familial, educational and wider community domains.

Table of Contents:
Foreword. Acknowledgements. Preface. Part 1. Child development: frameworks, theories and influences. 1. Children, development and ecology. Jane Aldgate, The Open University. 2. Frameworks and theories. Janet Seden, The Open University. 3. Genetic and biological influences. Marian Perkins, The Park Hospital for Children, Oxford. 4. The place of attachment in children's development. Jane Aldgate and David P.H. Jones, The Open University. 5. Self development. David Quinton, University of Bristol. 6. Socio-genealogical connectedness: knowledge and identity. Kwame Owusu-Bempah, University of Leicester. 7. The influence of parenting and other family relationships. Hedy Cleaver, Royal Holloway College, University of London. 8. The impact of community and environmental factors. Monica Dowling, The Open University, Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway College, University of London, and Jane Aldgate. Part 2. Children developing: early childhood to adolescence. 9. Developmental progression. Wendy Rose, Jane Aldgate and David Jones. 10. Early childhood: zero to four years. Brigid Daniel, University of Dundee. 11. Middle childhood: five to eleven years. Gillian Schofield, University of East Anglia. 12. Adolescence and beyond: twelve years onwards. Susan Bailey, Adolescent Forensic Service, Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust. Part 3. Promoting positive developmental outcomes for children. 13. Direct work with children. Jane Aldgate and Janet Seden. 14. Communicating with children about adverse circumstances. David Jones. 15. Making plans: assessment, intervention and evaluating outcomes. David Jones, Nick Hindley and Paul Ramchandani, The Park Hospital for Children, Oxford. 16. The developing world of the child: children's perspectives. Wendy Rose. 17. Afterword. Jane Aldgate, David Jones, Wendy Rose and Carole Jeffery. References. List of Contributors. Steering Group. Advisory Group. Index.

About the Author :
Jane Aldgate is Professor of Social Care in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University. David Jones is a Consultant Child and Family Psychiatrist at the Park Hospital for Children in Oxford, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Oxford. Wendy Rose is a Senior Research Fellow at the Open University, and a former policy maker in the Department of Health. Carole Jeffery is a senior course manager in the Faculty of Health and Social Care.

Review :
The Developing World of the Child is a well-written and accessible text aimed to meet the requirements of the post-qualifying award in children's services and the social work degree. A number of eminent academics and a range of experienced practitioners contribute to the book, which was commissioned by the Government as part of a series of resources aimed at supporting the training and practice of the children's workforce in the UK. The official sanction for the book's potential contribution towards professional development is evident in the Forward by Maria Eagle MP (at the time Parliamentary Under Secretary of Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families).The book is a welcome edition and a useful resource, articulating theoretical perspectives, interspersed with a number of examples from research and a range of helpful practical advice on practice with children and their families. It is clearly written in a style that would be a good model for students to follow in their own writing. It would be a valuable introductory text for the intended audience of trainee social workers, and also contains sections that will benefit students on early childhood and childhood studies courses, health and teacher education. The Developing World of the Child out-lines child development theories and their implications for practitioners. It provides the reader with a robust understanding of child development research and shows how this knowledge can inform methods for outcome-focused practice. This increases the value of the text for any person who has responsibility for working with children... The production of this book is timely as UK government policy is highlighting the need to promote good outcomes for all children. This emphasis is beneficial in both research and practice terms, not least because it refocuses services away from being resource led and puts children at the heart of decision-making. This comprehensive handbook was commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills for use by a wide range of practitioners in children's services. It has sections focusing on early years and "adolescence and beyond", in which leading academics consider theories of child development. Its aim is to "build vital bridges between the understanding of child development and the ways practitioners work". This important new edited collection by Jane Aldgate and her colleagues makes an invaluable contribution in seeking to link together the current policy context, an overview of child development research, and implications for practice. The book is deliberately aimed at a children's workforce that in the UK is becoming increasingly characterized by interprofessional and multi-disciplinary working. It will appeal to social workers but will also be extremely helpful to those in education and child mental health who work with vulnerable children. This is a precise, up to date handbook for all professionals involved with children, young people and their families. I would strongly recommend it for the resource pack in all departments of health and social care and education and particularly as a listed reading for foster carers. This is a worthy book. Above all it's an optimistic one. This tract on child development is an essential resource for practitioners, their managers and anyone studying social work with children and families.