| Jim Wade, Jo Dixon and Andrew Richards
Since its introduction in 2006, special guardianship has become a well used option for finding permanence for children. But how is it working out in practice? This pioneering research study provides a critical assessment of the implementation of special guardianship, how it is being used, and the policy and practice issues that have arisen.
| Lorna Miles
This compelling story, published as part of the Our Story series, tracks Wayne’s journey from first being fostered by Lorna at the age of nine, in a therapeutic fostering placement, through nearly four years of family life. Wayne is traumatised by his early experiences of neglect and domestic abuse. Even when surrounded by a team of experienced foster carers, counsellors and therapists, helping him grow and heal will be a long and difficult process. But Lorna and her family are determined not to give up hope…
| Elsbeth Neil, Jeanette Cossar, Paula Lorgelly and Julie Young
This research study explores and evaluates the growing area of adoption support of birth families where a child has been adopted. It is based on data collected from eight agencies providing independent support services to birth relatives, and from interviews with 73 birth relatives with recent experience of losing a child to adoption.
| Nancy Newton Verrier
Healing the primal wound
| Helen Jayne
Published as part of the Our Story series, this is the story of Helen, a foster carer, and her family, and what happened when Dale joined their family as a foster child. But what was planned as a short-term foster placement soon became longer than expected, and inevitably the family grew attached to Dale, and he to them.
| Julie Selwyn, David Quinton, Perlita Harris, Dinithi Wijedasa, Shameem Nawaz and Marsha Wood
This pioneering study explores the care pathways of minority ethnic children in three authorities in England, and considers possible differences in decision making and outcomes for them, in comparison with white children, especially in relation to permanence. This study raises key questions about our understanding of ethnicity and culture and how these are reflected in and affect social work practice.
| Jules Belle
Published as part of the Our Story series, this is the story of how Daisy and her parents adopted Tom. Although written by her mother, it is really six-year-old Daisy’s adoption story - reflecting her feelings about the family's decision to adopt Tom, bringing them vividly to life.
| Jeanne Kaniuk
The Ten Top Tips series considers some of the fundamental themes in child care practice in concise, practical guides ideal for busy practitioners. This book explores some of the underpinning principles on which a successful support service for adopters depends.
| Lindsey Dunbar
The Ten Top Tips series considers some of the fundamental themes in child care practice in concise, practical guides ideal for busy practitioners. This book considers the roles of all involved, including the birth family and other children, as well as the purpose of introductions and will help workers to plan and manage good introductions.
