Drawing on in-depth interviews with social workers and their managers, and families and young people themselves, the authors of this important book show how the principles embodied in the Assessment Framework have been applied to social work practice. Revisiting the principles outlined in the legislative context and the Assessment Framework, they show how the focus on assessment has affected the work with children, and the experiences of children and families themselves. The authors identify a range of issues that influence the implementation of the Assessment Framework, including the key areas where support and training are needed. They review social workers' and other professionals' appraisal of how the Assessment Framework affects individual practice and inter-agency collaboration, as well as exploring how satisfied young people and their parents are with the assessments they are involved in. Finally, they examine the cost to social services of undertaking a core assessment. Emphasising the importance of a joined-up child care service, the authors' findings have been taken into account in the development of the Integrated Children's System. This book should be read by all those professionals who are working to promote the welfare and well-being of children.

Parental Learning Disability and Children's Needs explores how to effectively assess children in families where one or more parent has a learning disability. These children often have unmet needs because their parents are more likely to be coping with mental and physical illness, domestic violence or substance abuse. The book examines current social care practice in this area, whether it is working, and the impact it has on families. The authors describe how, although some parents with a learning disability face a significant risk of losing their children, most continue to look after them and, while support provided by social services and other agencies, can be significant it is rarely sustained and the health and welfare of many children suffers as a result. Case studies and interviews from original research support the authors' recommendations for policy and practice to combat these problems. This book will prove to be an invaluable source of information for all social workers and other professionals working with someone who is both a parent and has a learning disability.

The Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment is the first book to explore assessment issues and opportunities occurring due to the real world of human, cultural, historical, and societal influences upon assessment practices, policies, and statistical modeling. With chapters written by experts in the field, this book engages with numerous forms of assessment: from classroom-level formative assessment practices to national accountability and international comparative testing practices all of which are significantly influenced by social and cultural conditions. A unique and timely contribution to the field of Educational Psychology, the Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment is written for researchers, educators, and policy makers interested in how social and human complexity affect assessment at all levels of learning. Organized into four sections, this volume examines assessment in relation to teachers, students, classroom conditions, and cultural factors. Each section is comprised of a series of chapters, followed by a discussant chapter that synthesizes key ideas and offers directions for future research. Taken together, the chapters in this volume demonstrate that teachers, test creators, and policy makers must account for the human and social conditions that shape assessment if they are to implement successful assessment practices which accomplish their intended outcomes.

Many water utilities have only a limited knowledge of the structural condition of their underground assests. In order to maintain optimum serviceability, it is increasingly important that utilities gain a better understanding of the current condition and performance of these buried assets. Regular inspection and condition assessment of pipelines can greatly assist utilities with developing robust and cost-effective operational maintenance programs, which will optimize capital expenditure whilst minimizing risk. The aim of the project was to conduct a state-of-the-art literature review of non-interruptive condition assessment inspection devices for large diameter transmission mains (greater than 12 inches). In addition, an expert panel workshop was to be held to review business needs and drivers, the performance of existing technologies, and future underground asset condition assessment research needs. Originally published by AwwaRF for its subscribers in 2004.

Written for professionals involved in the assessment of children in need, this book is a comprehensive guide to recent developments in research and practice. It looks at the policy framework for assessment, the actual process of assessment, how to assess the developmental needs of children and how to assess their parents' and family's capacity to meet those needs. The contributors are experts from a range of fields and the guide, which was developed by the NSPCC and is published in association with them, is designed to facilitate productive joint agency work. Key topics covered include: * ecological perspectives on the child and the family * attachment theory and child development * assessing families where the parents have a learning disability * working with children and families from minority ethnic groups * the effect of sexual abuse within the family on the assessment process * assessment prior to birth. Originally commissioned by the Department of Health, and outlining the developments and theory underpinning their Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families this book will be essential reading for qualified and trainee social workers and those completing the Post Qualifying Award in Child Care. It will also be an indispensable guide for psychologists, teachers, health visitors, and any other professionals and qualifying professionals involved in the assessment of children in need.

A factual and analytical introduction to the systems and processes of multi-agency work with children and families. >

This book supports those training to work with young children to explore the many factors that impact on child health and wellbeing. Health is a concept that is often taken for granted in young children. If a child is physically active, appears well and is succeeding in learning, it is assumed that all is well. The growing statistics of child mental health issues tell a different story, as do the statistics for childhood obesity and the increasing number of physical health issues in childhood. This book explores and evaluates the strategies currently used in Britain to tackle this escalating situation and asks - what more is needed? The global pandemic has created a large increase in all childhood issues – the scale of which is yet to be ascertained. Supporting healthy childhoods has always been, and always will be, a constantly evolving agenda. What supported children 10 years ago may no longer be relevant in today′s society.