Family Support introduces and explores the state of the art in preventative social work with children and young people. Drawing on contemporary thinking and research, the book aims to make a contribution to current debates about how we can best support families in need. Underpinning the book is an analysis of how family support is changing, having moved from 'prevention' through to contemporary debates about 'family support', 'early intervention' and 'early help'. The authors draw on their own practice experiences to ensure the discussion remains highly relevant to everyday realities. The book consists of three parts: Part I examines the history and context of family support; Part II outlines a number of practice approaches to family support; and Part III suggests how family support work can be further developed. The book provides 'think points' and case studies to support the reader in reflecting on the material presented and how this can be best applied, as well as including a guide to useful resources. Family Support will be a welcome companion for anyone involved in child welfare and safeguarding services, including students at undergraduate and post-graduate level, practitioners, policy makers and academics.

Nick Frost is Professor of Social Work (Childhood, Children and Families) at Leeds Beckett University Shaheen Abbott is a Social Worker for Leeds City Council Tracey Race is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Leeds Beckett University

Introduction PART ONE: Understanding Family Support Chapter One. The Historical, Social and Political Context of Family Support Chapter Two. The Contemporary Policy Context of Family Support: Conceptualizing Family Support Chapter Three. Researching Family Support: Process and Outcomes PART TWO: Delivering Family Support Chapter Four. Community-Based Projects: The Universal Provision of Family Support Chapter Five. Home Visiting: A Key Process in Providing Family Support Chapter Six. Parenting Education: A Universal or Targeted Service? Chapter Seven. Targeted Approaches: The 'Troubled Families' Initiative Chapter Eight. Relationship-Based Family Support: An Underpinning Approach to Family Support Chapter Nine. Family Group Conferences: Involving and Empowering Families PART THREE: Overarching Issues in Developing a Sustainable Approach to Family Support Chapter Ten. Multi-Disciplinary Working: Holistic Work with Families and Children Chapter Eleven. Developing the Family Support Workforce Conclusion: Family Support Past, Present and Future