Personal social services for children and families in the UK: a historical review. Issue 2 (18th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bullock, Roger; Parker, Roy
• Is Part Of: Journal of children's services. Volume 12:Issue 2/3(2017)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2017-09-18
• Subjects: Policy development -- Child and family services -- Child care history -- Child care legislation -- Child well-being -- Children's services; Child care services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1108/JCS-03-2017-0007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-6660

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to chart the history of personal social services for children and families in the UK and examine the factors that have influenced it. Special attention is given to changing perceptions of rights, the impact of scandals and the contribution of child development research. Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of historical documents and research reports using four methods: a timeline of milestones, demarcation of distinct developmental periods, trends in policy and practice and comparisons of children's needs and experiences at different times. Findings: The evolution of services has not been linear. In policy, there have been reform and retrenchment, amalgamation and differentiation. Practice has been shaped by the emergence of new problems and the disappearance of old ones as well as by legislation, extreme events, research and finance, all occurring in specific political, moral and economic contexts. Originality/value: An analysis of developments in children's services in their political, economic, moral and research contexts.