Includes bibliographical references (p. [187]-207) and index.

pt. I The Practice Implications of Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations -- 1. Systems Theory -- Introduction -- Systems theory -- Systems theory and intervention practices -- Family lifecycle and transitional challenges -- Key elements in systems-based work -- Decision making -- Multicultural systems -- 2.A Changing Working Environment -- Introduction -- From the GSCC to the Health and Care Professions Council -- Stages of the safeguarding process -- Referral -- The investigation and initial assessment -- The Children Act 1989 -- The Children Act 2004 -- The National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Midwifery Services 2004 -- The Human Rights Act 1998 -- 3. Contemporary Systems Methods and Models -- Introduction -- Methods, models and practice -- Intervening at the structural level -- Strategic practice -- Systemic family therapy -- Brief solution-focused work -- Contemporary developments -- The intrinsic value of systems theory and practice -- The evidence base -- pt. II Dilemmas and Challenges in Applying Systems Theory in Practice -- 4. Prevention and Early Intervention -- Introduction -- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 -- Factors affecting safeguarding children in the community -- Examples of primary prevention -- Examples of secondary prevention -- Examples of tertiary prevention -- Early intervention skills -- Reviewing the work process -- Change and outcomes -- Case closure -- 5. Children and Young People at Risk -- Introduction -- Reasons for abuse -- General risk factors -- Specific risk factors -- Protective factors -- Children's concerns -- Types of abuse -- Common forms of physical abuse -- Characteristics shown by abusers who emotionally abuse -- Neglect -- Signs of abuse -- Risk assessment or risk management? -- Failing to maintain boundaries -- Defining risk -- The social construction of risk -- 6. Using Systems Theory in Assessment -- Introduction -- Understanding assessment -- Practice guidance -- The Common Assessment Framework -- The process of the common assessment -- Elements of the CAF -- The importance of attachment -- Secure and autonomous patterns -- Avoidant-dismissing patterns -- Ambiralent-preoccupied-entangled patterns -- Assessment as a systems process -- Post-assessment issues -- pt. III Creating the Difference that Makes a Difference -- 7. Collaborative Systems or Combative Systems? -- Introduction -- Power within systems -- The individual within the system -- Multi-disciplinary and inter-agency working -- The challenges in working together -- The role of advocacy -- Interprofessional care -- Partnership practice -- Interprofessional systems and relationships -- Changing patterns of service delivery -- Overcoming the hurdles to implementation -- The experience of interprofessional working -- Revolution or evolution? -- 8. Social Inclusion and Cultural Awarness -- Introduction -- A culturally inclusive theoretical model -- Mental health and culture -- Defining culture -- Conceptualising culture -- Ethnicity and culture -- Socially and culturally inclusive practice -- Cultural evolution and systems change -- Celebrating diversity and difference -- Globalisation and identity -- 9. Towards an Integrated Appraisal and Evaluation -- Introduction -- Feminist-informed practice -- Evaluating social work: the people's perspective -- Consumers as producers of welfare -- How to evaluate -- The social work dilemma -- Reflective and reflexive practice -- Building an integrated practice -- 10. Conclusion.