An engaging textbook that brings together a range of critical perspectives and issues, and which maps directly onto the Post-Qualifying Child Care Award (acompulsory programme for social work graduates wishing to specialise in child-centred social work).

`The first text to systematically address the learning needs of post-qualifying child care social workers. Soundly organized and engagingly written with useful summaries and reflective exercises for students, it is a very fine text that will be widely used′Nick Pike, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, University of Gloucestershire

This textbook provides an overview of the Post Qualifying Child Care Award in social work. Written in response to recent policy and training guidelines, it provides the underpinning knowledge for candidates following the Post Qualifying curriculum. It helps child care social workers acquire and develop the breadth of knowledge and understanding that characterise best practice.

Key features include:

- Chapters on reflective collaborative and critical practice; child development; child observation; case management and managing risk; working in partnership with children and families; inter-professional working and practice education

- Links to the relevant post qualifying standards for social work

- Contributions from a team of practice assessors and programme candidates

- A practice-based approach - clearly links theory, research and practice

- An inter-professional perspective

- Case studies, activities and points for reflection that encourage the reader to develop ways of challenging and improving their own practice.

The book equips social workers with the relevant training, knowledge and skills to improve the quality of services and their delivery. With an emphasis upon continuing professional development, this text is suitable for social workers studying for the Child Care Award, those already in practice and other social care professionals working with children.

PART 1 THE CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORK OF POST-QUALIFICATION CHILD CARE PRACTICE
Introduction - Developing Holistic Social Work Practitioners - Gillian Ruch
The PQ Framework, PQ and CPD Developments: Consolidation Unit - Gill Tunney
Reflective Practice and Reflective Spaces - Gillian Ruch
Observational Practices in Working with Children and Families - Gillian Ruch
Every Child Matters and the Context for Inter-Professional and Inter-Agency Practice - Chris Warren-Adamson
Practice Education and "Enabling Others′ - Kish Bhatti Sinclair
PART TWO - THE POST-QUALIFICATION CURRICULUM
Focus on the Child - Tim Gully
Child Observation and Professional Practice - Fiona McKinnon
′Holding the Child in Mind′ - Gillian Ruch
Working in Partnership with Children, their Families, Carers and Professionals
Innovatory and Regulatory Practice in Contemporary Child Care Social Work - Teri Rogers
Collaborative Practice and its Complexity - Chris Warren-Adamson
PART THREE - CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The Way Ahead - Gillian Ruch
Reflective Practice and Relationships