Children and families
In the past decade the relationship between communities, children and families has inspired a wealth of research and policy initiatives, because of a growing belief that the breakdown of families and communities is a significant factor in social problems, including child abuse and juvenile crime.
Research aims
The children and families research programme aims to conduct and disseminate research of the highest national and international quality that promotes understanding of the underpinnings of well being among children and families. Our work is concerned with issues raised in governmental policies such as Every Child Matters
and the Children’s Plan launched by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) in late 2007, setting out the terms for major reform and improvement of health and social care services for children and families in England.
Members of the programme conduct and disseminate research for effective interventions and policies for vulnerable children and youth and their families. Vulnerability is broadly defined to include social, family, emotional, cognitive and health related problems that place children and youth at risk of developing serious psycho-social problems and not being able to achieve their full developmental potential. These can include a range of issues such as health and social inequalities, family violence, youth violence, mental health problems and disabilities.
Research interests
The programme has an interdisciplinary character with basic and applied interests in advancing knowledge about children, families and the contexts within which they live. We take a research orientation to social care service provision, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based and user-led practice.
Our key areas of work are:
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Personalisation of care for children and families
- Domestic violence experiences of adults and children
- Education and well-being of children and young people in care
- Health and social inequalities in care and policy making
- Participation of families and children in health and social care service provision.
Find out more
Further details of our activities will be published here shortly - including researchers, current funded research and recent publications.
If you would like more information please contact Rachel Pistol, Research Administrator, School of Social Work on 020 8417 5107 or R.Pistol@sgul.kingston.ac.uk
