Abstract
The introductory chapter of 'New Directions in Children’s Welfare' starts with a reflection from the author’s personal experience of social work practice and working with a family where the children are neglected and on the child protection register as a result. A strong case is made for reflective writing and practice in which the author situates herself within her memory of a poor northern working-class childhood. The case is made against essentialism and pathologising individuals who are suffering poverty and social inequality. The chapter then introduces the rest of the chapters in the book.