- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
17 Jun 2010 16:47:48
Two senior academics from the University of Bedfordshire have edited a new book called Children’s Services at the crossroads: A critical evaluation of contemporary policy for practice.
They are Professor Michael Preston-Shoot, Dean of Health and Social Sciences, and Patrick Ayre, Senior Lecturer in Social Work.
Colleagues from the University’s Department of Applied Social Studies including Professor John Pitts, Dr Donald Forrester, Dr Isabelle Brodie and Dr Tim Bateman have also contributed chapters.
Ahead of the book launch, Professor Preston-Shoot said: “The Coalition Government has just announced a review into child protection and appears to have begun to critically scrutinise the reforms to children's services put in place under previous administrations.
“This book, drawing on research evidence, points out the urgent questions that need to be addressed. It also uses research and practice findings to indicate how systems should be reconfigured to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.”
Patrick Ayre added: “The Association of Directors of Children's Services requested an advance copy of the book’s material in connection with a report which they are preparing.”
It will be formally launched at a Making Research Count conference, hosted at King’s College London on 25 June 2010.
The book explores the impact of reform across the board of children’s services’ practice, including child safeguarding, youth offending, children in care, family support, ethical practice and child welfare law.
It argues that effective practice requires research-informed, reflective, confident and critically-challenging practitioners supported by management systems which promote rather than undermine their effectiveness.
The book is already making an impact in social care research as one of Patrick Ayre’s chapters featured recently in the journal Community Care.
The Making Research Count conference, aimed at Children’s Services managers and practitioners from across the UK, will be jointly hosted by the University of Bedfordshire and Kings College London. Both Professor Preston-Shoot and Patrick Ayre will attend to make keynote addresses.
Further information about the new book can be found on Russell House Publishing Ltd’s website
Latest news» 2010» June» University academics contribute to new research book
