Developing ethical, supportive and effective practice with children, parents and families subject to state intervention due to child welfare concerns

This PhD by publication submission comprises eleven peer reviewed journal articles and a commentary outlining the coherence and significance of the published work. Ten of the publications explore different aspects of practice related to children and families receiving state involvement due to, or following, child welfare concerns. The other explores the use of a teaching method which provides opportunity for social work students to engage more meaningfully with knowledge from people who have experience of social work services.

The publications’ significance and coherence is illustrated through the discussion of five thematic subject areas which are mapped on to four, broader, domains. It is argued that the published work makes a coherent and significant contribution to child welfare studies and practice, and the field of social work, through: developing the empirical knowledge base for practice via qualitative and quantitative research; supporting the critical assembly of knowledge for child welfare practice through both empirical study and literature review; developing the use of methods in child welfare research through the utilisation of a range of data collection methods, including mixed methods, purposively and coherently to suit the exploration of varied practice contexts and to meet particular research aims; and, developing theory in child welfare studies through the application of particular social theories to empirical data and through charting a path which reconciles commitments to both social constructionism and realism. Underpinning all of the work has been a commitment to improving the experiences of children and families receiving the services of child welfare practitioners. Given the involuntary context of much of this practice the work also charts a path which seeks to recognise and, to some extent, reconcile the aims of empowerment and progressive social change within the context of compulsory state intervention into family life. This represents a further contribution of the work.