Children and young people

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Some ethical limitations of privatising and marketizing social care and social work pro-vision in England for children and young people

Carey, Malcolm (Taylor and Francis, 2019-03-01

This article analyses the negative ethical impact of privatisation, alongside the ongoing mar-ketisation of social care and social work provision for children and young people in England. It critically appraises the implications of a market-based formal social care system, which in-cludes the risk-averse and often detached role of social workers within ever more fragmented sectors of care. Analysis begins with a discussion of background policy and context. The ten-dency towards ‘service user’ objectification and commodification are then detailed, followed by a discussion of the limiting of choice for service users. Service and social fragmentation, and the often severely restricted ‘life chances’ of many children and young people in care, are then deliberated. The concluding discussion reiterates the moral implications of marketisation in relation to ethical frameworks, including those associated with autonomy, informed choice, social exclusion and social justice. The tendency towards children increasingly being utilised as a means to an end within business-orientated sectors of care is highlighted, alongside ethi-cal questions asked about the State’s purpose in providing a community of support.

Some ethical limitations of privatisation within social work and social care in England for children and young people

Carey, Malcolm (Routledge, 2019-07-01)

The article considers some of the ethical impications of the ongoing privatisation of social care and social work services.

Attachment theory and schools

Harlow, Elizabeth (2018-01-11)

The implications of attachment theory are becoming more relevant to the work of schools. This article looks at the research and signposts a range of resources, training and support.

Children of the state: Reforming the case system. New Labour and corporate parenting

Harlow, Elizabeth; Frost, Nick (Whiting & Birch, 2011-08-05)

This book chapter discusses the role of the government as corporate patent to children who are unable to live with their birth parents. It describes and offers critical reflection on proposals to improve the education achievement of such children and their relational continuity with social workers.