In 2008 the London Borough of Hackney radically overhauled its children's social work system and created the Reclaim Social Work model, which has since gained national recognition. At the heart of this innovative system is the endeavour to keep children together with their families. This book sets out what the Reclaim Social Work model is, how it was implemented, and how it works. It explains the model's system of social work 'units' made up of clinicians and therapists and headed by a consultant social worker, and demonstrates how it has worked in practice. Chapters written by consultant social workers with extensive experience of working within the model outline the methodological approaches used and the evidence base underlying the model.This book on a pioneering new social work model will be of great interest to social work managers, policymakers and academics.
1. Introduction. Isabelle Trowler and Steve Goodman, Morning Lane Associates, UK. 2. A Systems Methodology for Child and Family Social Work. Isabelle Trowler and Steve Goodman. 3. Systemic Practice in a Risk Management Context. Nick Pendry, Institute of Family Therapy, London and GreatOrmond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London. 4. Behavioural Based Interventions: Social Learning Theory. Stewart McCafferty, The AttachmentPractice. 5. Stories Lived, Stories Told. Julie Rooke, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. 6. Preconditions, Structure, Continuity and Momentum. KarenSchiltroth, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 7. Working with People in Transition. Timo Dobrowolski, London Borough ofHackney, Children and Young People's Services. 8. The Centrality of Relationships. Karen Gaughan and Sonya Kalyniak, London Borough of HackneyLeaving Care Service. 9. Liberated Thinking within a Social Work Unit. Rick Mason, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 10.Helping People Move Beyond their Own Histories. Martin Purbrick, independent social work consultant. 11. The Story of a Children's Practitioner. CharlieClayton, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 12. The Story of Change and Reclaiming Social Work. Isabelle Trowler andSteve Goodman. Index.
Edited by two of the key innovators in child and family services in England, this book could not be more timely. The Munro Review of child protection in England has recommended a sea change in the way services are designed, with an emphasis on local innovation. That Steve Goodman and Isabelle Trowler achieved such a system redesign whilst under the strictures of a particularly pernicious centralised regime is a noteworthy, indeed remarkable, achievement. Managers in children's services need to see design as their day job, and they need to design around the needs of families. This book is indispensable for social work managers, social workers and academics. Buy it, read it, do it.
