Social Policy for Children and Families: A Risk and Resilience Perspective

Incorporating cutting-edge research, the authors of this multidisciplinary text offer new evidence that a public health framework based on ecological theory and principles of risk and resilience is essential for the successful design of social policy. Contributing authors apply the editors’ conceptual model across the substantive domains of child welfare, education, mental health, health, developmental disabilities, substance use, juvenile justice, and now poverty.

This is an ideal core text for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses entitled Social Policy, Advanced Social Policy, or Social Work with Children and Families in departments of social work, family studies, human services, sociology, public health, or psychology. It is also a vital resource for elected officials, policy makers, and others interested in the evolution of policies aimed at preventing problem behaviors and supporting children and families.

Praise for the First Edition of Social Policy for Children and Families

“What a book! A must read for those who provide services to at-risk children and their families. The application of the public health framework to programs and policies adds value to the usual suspects of perspectives/frameworks drawn upon by the social work profession. The authors boldly call for the triangulation of relevant theories and models of risk and resilience, and make a major contribution to social work research by advocating for the translation of empirical evidence into practical application.”— Paula Allen-Meares, University of Michigan School of Social Work