Showing papers in "Children & Society in 2000"

Adversity, resilience and young people: the protective value of positive school and spare time experiences

Abstract: This paper argues for the value of resilience as a key concept in work with young people in need and considers some of the implications of a resilience led approach for policy and practice. Resilience refers to a capacity to do well despite adverse experience. Social and developmental factors influencing a child or young person's degree of resilience are discussed, with particular reference to the resilience enhancing potential of school experiences and spare time activities.

Children's participation: control and self‐realisation in British late modernity

Abstract: Children's participation in public life in contemporary Britain is examined in relation to the tension between control and self-realisation found in late modernity. It is argued that, despite the recognition of children as persons in their own right, public policy and practice is marked by an intensification of control, regulation and surveillance around children. This tension is considered in relation to the constitution of children in the public sphere as human capital and therefore as a means of controlling the future. This is contrasted to the private sphere where children's potential for self-realisation is increasingly sequestered in the family. It is suggested that these trends raise issues of social inequality, intergenerational justice and institutional disengagement in relation to children. This requires more serious attention to enabling children's participation in the society. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The future of children's rights

Abstract: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was a great achievement. The rights strategy must continue to be pursued. The Convention itself is an imperfect instrument and a new Convention or Protocols needs to address many children whose rights are currently neglected, including disabled children, gay children, girl children and street children. Rights themselves need rethinking, and so does the reporting and implementation process. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

School Students' Views on School Councils and Daily Life at School.

Abstract: This article reports a survey conducted in schools in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during 1997–8 with 2,272 students aged seven to 17 years. The 24-page booklet questionnaire included six groups of questions about school councils. The question of whether pupils who have a council see it as effective was cross-tabulated with a range of other questions, in order to examine associations between students' views about their school councils with their views on other aspects of school. About half the students reported that they had a school council. Of these, the ones who thought their council was effective generally had positive views about their school's social and academic activities, whereas the ones who said their council was ineffective generally had more negative attitudes. Some schools find that creating an effective school council can considerably improve standards of behaviour, but this process has to involve further changes in systems and relationships in the school. Simply introducing a token council can increase students' scepticism. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Economic status: middle class and poor children's views

Abstract: This qualitative study explored low and middle-income children's character associations regarding economic class and their corresponding friendship choices. Projective techniques employing photographs of houses representing different income level families were used to interview 48 United States children between the ages of five and 14 years, divided equally between low and middle income. It is clear that even at early ages, both realistic assessments and popular prejudices about wealth and poverty were firmly fixed in their minds. Their prejudgments likely prevent them from reaching across economic boundaries on the basis of inherent factors of common interest and friendship. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inter‐professional collaboration and conceptualisations of practice

Abstract: This article discusses the inter-professional collaborative experiences of professionals working with children and their families in two areas of high social need. The findings suggest that, although the way that professionals conceptualise their practice may hinder attempts to collaborate effectively, a complex interplay of several factors is involved. A typology of the various collaborations reported is then constructed. Finally, integrating this work with the findings of other studies, an explanatory model is developed. These have particular relevance given the current rhetoric of ‘joined-up government’. The project was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (Ref. R000221542). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Young People's Perceptions of Mental Health.

Abstract: Research exploring young people's views towards mental health is at an early stage of development. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study which used focus group discussions and individual interviews to explore young people's understanding of mental health and illness; the promotion of positive mental health; responses to negative feelings; and perceived differences between themselves and adults. An overview of previous research is provided in the introduction, followed by a description of the methods and sampling strategies used. The main findings are then presented. Finally, a number of implications have been drawn out which are commented on in the conclusions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bullying and harassment in schools and the rights of children

Abstract: By the year 2000, the issue of school bullying has come to occupy a prominent role in the national consciousness of many countries. There has been considerable media publicity, many publications, a great deal of research, and the beginnings of successful school-based interventions to reduce bullying. In this article I define the term bullying, and discuss the history of the recent upsurge in interest and research. I then overview main findings concerning the nature of school bullying, the school-based intervention work so far, and the implications for future research and action.

Internalising and externalising children's behaviour problems in Britain and the US: relationships to family resources

Abstract: A large sample of British children (n=994) of varying ages (7–18 years) and a large sample of American children (n=886) of varying ages (7–16 years) were rated by their mothers using respectively the Rutter Child Scale A and the Behaviour Problems Index both of which cover a variety of behavioural problems. Factor analysis of the behavioural scales distinguished externalising and internalising dimensions of behaviour in both countries. We examined whether children's experiences of family change, cognitive ability and family adversity including economic deprivation were associated with differences in the prevalence of the behavioural dimensions. Mean cognitive scores decreased significantly with increasing level of externalising behavioural problems in British and American children but showed no significant relationship to levels of internalising behaviour problems in either sample. Among American children internalising and externalising behavioural problems were related to experience of non-intact family structures and measures of family adversity. Externalising behavioural problems were related to measures of family adversity among British boys and girls but were only related to experience of non-intact family structures in the sample of British girls. Among British girls, internalising behavioural problems were also related to non-intact family structures. The associations between non-intact family structures and behavioural problems were independent of measures of economic deprivation in both samples of children. This study documents some of the background factors which affect children's behavioural and cognitive outcomes. Unlike children's family structure economic deprivation can be influenced through policy intervention, and the analysis supports the view that relieving economic deprivation would help improve children's behavioural outcomes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Home‐start and the delivery of family support

Abstract: The publication of Child Protection: Messages from Research (Department of Health, 1995) and of the ‘Supporting Families’ Green Paper (Home Office, 1998) have both highlighted the importance of developing family support services, in keeping with the word and the spirit of the Children Act, 1989. This article presents some of the findings of a three year study of a voluntary organisation, Home-Start, which offers support to mothers with children under five through volunteer home visiting. The article makes connections between the activities of Home-Start and the wider debate about family support in the United Kingdom. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Families under the microscope: parallels between the young carers debate of the 1990s and the transformation of childhood in the late nineteenth century

Abstract: Existing analysis and discussion about young carers -- children caring for ill or disabled family members -- has been limited in scope, concentrating on narrow policy and service issues. In this paper, I attempt to introduce a more historical perspective to these debates, by comparing responses to the issue of young caring in the 1990s to resistance encountered in the implementation of child labour and education reforms towards the end of the nineteenth century. I discuss the parallel ways in which the quality of childhood for some children became problematised without sufficient recognition of the limited choices that some families face.

Young people and prostitution: an end to the beginning?

Abstract: Since the mid-1970s, we have developed in England and Wales a complex and sophisticated inter-agency system dedicated to protecting children from abuse. However, we have failed to apply it effectively to the protection of young people sexually abused through involvement in prostitution. This paper examines some of the reasons for this failure and identifies a number of characteristics of the child protection system which seem to fit it poorly for work with these young people. It is argued that lasting improvement in their well-being depends on the creation of truly ‘joined-up’, integrated, interdisciplinary services addressing the whole range of their needs. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The key role of social workers in promoting the well‐being of children in state care — a neglected dimension in reforming policies

Abstract: Increasingly, policy measures are emerging at national or agency level in different countries to improve the lot of children in state care. Most of these rely heavily on social workers for their implementation. Yet the capacity of social workers to carry out such an ever increasing range of complex tasks seems never to be properly recognised as an issue. This paper argues, from an international perspective, that the continuing central role of social work in the lives of children in care merits much more emphasis in policy and service delivery. The nature of the increasing demands on social workers in this area of work are explored. Possible strategies to help build the capacity of social workers to respond to the needs of children in state care in the new millennium are discussed. Such capacity building necessitates government and agency initiatives to ensure realistic staffing levels, renewed training, and adequate support for social work services to children in state care. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Intensive interaction and autism: some theoretical concerns

Abstract: The authors consider the possible application of intensive interaction to children with autism. Intensive interaction is briefly described, and the question asked whether children with autism (and developmental delay) can gain from this exemplar of naturalistic, interactive approaches to facilitating sociability and communication. A theoretical approach is taken to unravel the difficulties faced by children with autism in developing sociability and communication, and the way in which intensive interaction functions. Five areas of possible mismatch between the particular difficulties/needs of these children and the method are identified and interrogated. The authors conclude that children with autism can be enabled to learn about interaction and communication through this naturalistic and supportive process. The need for empirical evidence to substantiate this position is highlighted. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Helping parents, protecting children: ideas from Germany

Abstract: This paper focuses on the help-seeking process in the field of child welfare and, with a view to identifying some of the key conditions which facilitate the process, it examines the ways in which the German system responds to parental requests for help. It is based on recent comparative studies between English users of child welfare and protection services and a similar group in Germany and on discussions with German and English social workers. It is suggested we can usefully learn from the preventative services available in Germany under the Children and Young Persons Help Act (1990) which make both help seeking and help giving more straightforward.

Order and disorder: the contradictions of childhood

Abstract: This article reviews the question of childhood in the context of conflicting social trends, namely the simultaneous globalisation and atomisation of social life. The experience of childhood is discussed in relation to three distinct ‘levels’; children as consumers, children as interpreters, and children as actors. It is suggested that understanding the changing social context in relation to each of these levels helps to explain some of the tensions and disruptions that characterise the lives of some children, especially those at the margins. In conclusion, it is argued that this analysis is not only of theoretical interest, but indicates specific requirements for the formulation of coherent social policies to meet the needs of all children. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Young people in Britain at the beginning of a new century

Abstract: The intention of this review article is to consider some of the major social changes that have had an impact on adolescents during the latter part of the last century, and to suggest ways in which the behaviour and development of young people in the present century will alter in response to such a change. It is argued that alteration in the labour market and in family composition and structure will have particular effects on young people in the coming years. The article also considers race, gender, sexuality, mental health and social exclusion. The review concludes with some tentative predictions concerning the attitudes and likely behaviours of young people in the twenty first century. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Family violence and violence against children

Abstract: Les etudes sur la violence sont innombrables, et la notion de violence se revele polysemique. Dans cet article, l'A. propose trois sujets d'analyse : 1) l'incidence de la violence enfantine, 2) les themes cles des causes et des consequences de la violence sur les enfants, et enfin 3) les prochaines donnees a prendre en compte dans un cadre de prevention

Whose Childhood? The Politics of Homework.

Abstract: This article considers the questions of choice and control in childhood by considering the topical and contentious issue of homework. This is undeniably the source of great tension and endless conflict between children, adults and schools. But it also leads us to consider more fundamental questions about the extent to which children are able to take control of their own lives. The article explores these issues, considering current debates about children's rights, and contrasting these with a prescriptive approach taken by central government to the question of homework. The absence of any recognition of children's role as active participants in key areas of their lives, such as schooling, is questioned, and the article concludes that this does children a disservice. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Parent Concerns Questionnaire: Evaluation of a Mothers' Self Report Instrument for the Identification of Problems and Needs in Child and Family Social Work.

Abstract: The measurement of problems and needs is a major issue for policy and practice in social work and social service provision. There has, furthermore, in recent years, been an increasing emphasis on gaining an understanding of users or clients' views of needs and service provision. However, there have been few attempts to develop practitioner and ‘client friendly’ ways of gaining information on problems and needs, either on an individual basis, or through the collection of aggregated data which can be used by local authorities as a whole. Where these have taken place there has been little attempt to assess their reliability or validity. This paper reports on the design and development of the Parent Concerns Questionnaire, an instrument designed to obtain the views of mothers in general, and depressed mothers in particular, in families subject to child and family care intervention. The paper reports on the reliability and validity of this instrument, which is presented as appropriate for use, both with families containing depressed mothers and other families subject to child and family care intervention. It may be used to examine problems and needs both on an individual family-by-family basis, and through the aggregation of data, on an authority-wide basis. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Children of Mixed Parentage: Data Collection Needs.

Abstract: In a review of Tizard and Phoenix's (1993) study, Sinclair drew attention to the paucity of official statistical information on children of mixed parentage, including the omission of a 'mixed' category in the 1991 Census classification. This article documents the limitations of that classification (which unsatisfactorily accommodated the needs of some 230 000 persons who identified their mixed origins in write-in descriptions), examines the only official sources of information that can be used to estimate the number of children of mixed parentage, including the Samples of Anonymised Records and the Labour Force Survey statistics, and assesses the current policy needs for such information. Finally, the provision for people of 'mixed' ethnic/cultural background in the 2001 Census is discussed

Listening to children with cancer

Abstract: Many children now live with cancer rather than die from it, and such children need both to continue their social, emotional and cognitive development and to make long-term psychological adjustments. This paper has its foundations in the findings of a research project set up to explore issues pertinent to the current provision of an activity week experience for a group of British paediatric cancer patients. This research suggested that the activity week appeals to children who are confident, active and able to separate from parents and whose parents are keen to encourage independence and new experiences. Children diagnosed and treated at a younger age and further away from treatment are more likely to express concerns about homesickness and safety and to not apply for the week. In this paper, issues of protection, independence and disability are discussed with reference to the importance of parental attitude on children's psychological accommodation to disease and treatment. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Educated for the 21st Century

Abstract: Using cameos of children whose schooling spans the millennium and of teachers’ attempts to foster their individuality and talents under pressures for conformity, we question whether the long-term educational interests of pupils are being fully served. We suggest that even for the secure and stable majority the school curriculum has serious shortcomings in limiting the freedom and creativity of teachers and in prioritising technicist over humane values. Moreover, the goal of social inclusion depends considerably on educational inclusiveness. We ask whether the depth of social and psychological disadvantage in Britain is within the capacity of the current system to correct. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Education in Britain at the beginning of the new millennium It is instructive to consider society’s aspirations for schools and pupils a century and more beyond the introduction of compulsory elementary education. The story has been one of expansion in terms of the number of years of education and of the levels and extent of knowledge and skills required. Education is now seen not only as essential for economic development, but also as a key element in the government’s policy of social inclusion. The goal set before teachers and trainee teachers, implicit if not explicit, in manifold policy documents, for example, Department for Education and Employment (DfEE, 1998) is that of ‘inclusive education’, the provision of an appropriate and wide-ranging curriculum for all learners, whatever their background, age, stage of development or predisposition; while also meeting society’s need for articulate, well-informed, self-directing, creative and responsible citizens, with multiple skills and a capacity to cope with uncertainty, discontinuity and rapid change. That is the dream.

Interviewing child witnesses within Memorandum guidelines. A survey of police officers in England and Wales

Abstract: Since 1991, the evidence-in-chief of child witnesses in United Kingdom (UK) criminal proceedings can be an initial video-recorded interview between a police officer/social worker and the child witness. This paper reports on the results of a survey of the attitudes and opinions of police officers who conduct video interviews with child witnesses in 18 police forces in England and Wales. Notably, officers' views were sought on the conduct of interviews. This builds on previous surveys which have focused on general views of videotaping children's evidence (for example, Davies and others 1995) and training issues (for example, Davies, Marshall and Robertson, 1998). Our findings support previous reports in that police officers view current provisions for child witnesses as a step in the right direction (Davies and others, 1995) but there are some reported limitations for example, gaps in training (Davies, Marshall and Robertson, 1998). In addition, we highlight the difficulties that can arise in relation to language use and some differences of opinion amongst officers (for example, with respect to the use of props in interviewing). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sponsored Day Care in a Changing World.

Abstract: Sponsored day care is the term generally used to describe the purchase of places by local authorities in independent day care services (such as childminders, nurseries and playgroups) for children in need. This paper considers the development and operation of sponsored day care services in 12 English local authorities, in the context of current policy developments within early childhood services. It suggests that provision for children in need is in danger of being marginalised by the current focus on early education and child care for working parents, and highlights the importance of developing services for children in need within an overall strategy for children's services. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Not Intruding, Not Colluding: Process and Practice in a Contact Centre.

Abstract: This article examines process and practice in a contact centre, with particular reference to the divorce/separation context. Against the legal, and emotional backdrop in which contact takes place, it examines the complex and varied roles which workers in this setting are called on to play, highlighting the skills and knowledge required for the intervention in this particular area of family support. It concludes by arguing that, if the rights and needs of children apart from a parent are to be promoted there are significant implications for training, supervision and support for contact centre staff so that they can not only respond purposefully to the families with whom they work but also manage the difficult feelings this area of practice evokes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sharing Genetic Origins Information in Third Party Assisted Conception: A Case for Victorian Family Values?

Abstract: In the United Kingdom (UK) approximately 2500 children are born each year as a result of third party assisted conception. Since formal record keeping by the statutory regulatory body, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, began in 1991, the total number of children known to have been born from all forms of third party assisted conception exceeds 13 500. Although the records contain information about these children's genetic origins, including the identity of the donor, current legislation severely circumscribes their ability to access this information and, save in very exceptional circumstances, they are not permitted to learn the identity of the donor. Consequently, they are the only individuals in the UK whose inability to learn the identity of both their genetic parents is formally endorsed by statute. This paper identifies different approaches to exchanging genetic origins information in third party assisted conception. It provides a critique of the model currently in force in the UK and advocates its replacement by a system that more closely resembles that introduced in Victoria (Australia) in 1998. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Picking up the pieces: local government reorganisation and voluntary sector children's services

Abstract: Between 1995 and 1998, most of British local government was reorganised, leading to the creation of more, generally smaller, local authorities. Although social services were then the direct responsibility of local government, the potential impact of reorganisation on social work departments and partner organisations was barely considered prior to reorganisation. This article explores the consequences of reorganisation for children's services provided by voluntary sector organisations in Scotland, England and Wales. Drawing on two separate but complementary studies, the paper reviews the impact on funding, boundary problems, changing structures and the fragmentation of local authorities. It concludes that although some advances may be stimulated in the medium term by reorganisation, the overall short-term impact for projects and their users is likely to have been damaging. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

"The Times, Are They a-Changing?" As the World Enters a New Millennium Are We as Paediatricians Keeping Up with the Changing Needs of Children?.

Abstract: This paper describes changes that are occurring in paediatric practice in a variety of settings. The ‘new morbidity’ demands focused training of paediatricians of the twenty-first century. Areas that include advocacy, public health, adolescence, chronic illness, health promotion, behavioural issues, parenting and family dynamics, social influences, health and social inequalities, managerial decision making and technological advances should be a part of paediatric training. These factors assume different importance in developing nations where priorities may be more focused on public health, nutrition and health promotion. Partnership with others who have children's interests at heart, for example mental health services, public health, social sciences, education and social services is imperative in planning service development informed by good information systems incorporating measures of mortality and morbidity. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.