Catherine Macaskill

Listening to children is a vital aspect of social work practice. 'Let's talk to Barney; Listening to foster children's voices about staying connected with family' is written in a child friendly manner. It is an activity book, suitable for professionals to use with foster children in the age range 5-10 years. It is the type of book which encourages professionals to engage in an interactive manner with foster children. Its primary aim is to let the voices of foster children be heard in relation to how they feel about maintaining a relationship with different members of their birth family. It focuses on the story of a dog. The material obtained by social workers through using this tool can then be used in contact planning and when reviewing contact plans.

This book looks at the social problems encountered by those involved in the adoption and fostering of children who have been sexually abused. Drawing on interviews with families who have had direct experience of the problems, this book includes chapters on recognizing the signs of sexual abuse, helping children talk about their experiences, the impact on other children in the family, the trauma of allegations, support services and the appropriateness or otherwise of psychotherapy. This book is designed to be of interest to both social workers and substitute parents.