Dorothy Scott

The Walnut Tree is a story of a once busy mother who one day finds her family has grown up and gone. A story of a sensitive soul searching for meaning in life.

The Walnut Tree and Other Poems

Fiona Arney

Poverty, domestic violence, marginalisation, drug and alcohol dependence are just some of the issues faced by many Australian families. Now in its second edition, Working with Vulnerable Families provides a comprehensive and evidence-based introduction to family-centred practice in Australia. It explores the ways in which health, education and social welfare professionals can support and protect children and their families. Fully revised and updated, with eight new chapters, the book examines recent research and programs on relationship-based family support, harnessing 'resilience' and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. It encourages readers to 'think child, think family, think community' in order to promote the development, wellbeing and safety of young children and future generations. Each chapter features learning goals, local case studies and reflective questions to help reinforce and extend the reader's understanding. Written by a diverse team of experts, this is an indispensable resource for students and practitioners alike.

A Partnership Approach

Working with Vulnerable Families

YVONNE. SCOTT DARLINGTON (DOROTHY.)

'Qualitative Research in Practice brings alive wonderfully the business of carrying out qualitative research in the field of welfare and human services. The authors take the reader through the main stages of the research endeavour, cleverly using their own interviews with eminent investigators to illustrate with great immediacy the actual mechanics of the process as described by recognised experts.' Professor David Howe, School of Social Work and Psychosocial Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. '.very useful and invaluable for social work students and social workers.' Joyce L. C. Ma, R.S.W. Ph.D., Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Qualitative Research in Practice bridges the gap between theory and practice for researchers in the human services. The authors explore qualitative research through actual research projects that illustrate key stages in the research process. The researchers' 'stories from the field' reveal the human face of research undertaken in often difficult contexts: with homeless people, with disabled people, in nursing homes, with victims of domestic violence, and with adopted children. We see how these leading researchers from different countries deal with the many obstacles they face in their research projects, and how they develop innovative solutions. Qualitative Research in Practice is a valuable resource for students and practitioners doing research in social work, welfare, community health, counselling and related fields.

Stories from the Field

Qualitative Research in Practice

Working with Vulnerable Families embodies the universal edict - that for societies to flourish we must enhance the opportunities for our children to reach their physical, intellectual, emotional and social potential. For families facing issues of marginalisation, poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol dependence or mental illness, such ideals can seem particularly daunting. In a thoroughly candid and engaging style, this groundbreaking text transcends narrow professional boundaries to demonstrate how those working in diverse health, education and social welfare settings can work collaboratively with one another and with parents to protect, nurture and support young children from birth to 8 years. The book draws together a broad range of research-based theory, practice wisdom and successful real-world exemplars to explicate the core values, knowledge and skills required when working with families with multiple and complex needs.

Shurlee Swain

The problem of child abuse seems to have escalated in recent years. Were there any 'battered babies' before the 1960s? Is the sexual abuse of children a recent phenomenon? The subject is often discussed in the media with little or no awareness that it has a long history. Confronting Cruelty examines our changing understanding of what cruelty is, the continuing neglect and abuse of children in our society, and the struggle between philanthropists, social workers and other professional groups for the right to identify and treat the children who are abused. Through the rich case records of the Children's Protection Society, Dorothy Scott and Shurlee Swain document a hundred years of child abuse, and explore how the community has responded to this ever-present social problem.

Dorothy Scott

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