WORKING WITH VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Children and young people thrive in a diverse range of families; however, family life can at times be complex and pressurised. When parents experience difficulties in their own lives, it can have a profound effect on the child, both in the present and in the future. Families sometimes need additional support to ensure their children can achieve their full potential. Child-centred practitioners seek to identify vulnerabilities and needs, providing support for children and families before problems escalate. They take a strengths-based approach, seeking to build on protective factors in the family situation, in order to promote the resilience of the child. This chapter will examine child-centred practice when working with children and young people in need, highlighting specific groups of vulnerable children. We make links to relevant policy, legislation and research. The concept of early intervention is explored as well as how children and young people can be fully involved in the assessment process. It is not possible to examine every aspect of practice, therefore we will pay attention to some of the key themes in the case study, introduced on page 000. The case study provides the focus for our exploration of important aspects of child-centred practice, including social work with children with disabilities and supporting young carers.