'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.