Supporting Families Under the Children Act in England and Wales

Abstract

The proactive concept of family support contained in Part III of the Children Act 1989 marks a historic shift from previously restricted notions of prevention. However, this article shows that uneven progress has been made with regard to the implementation of key provisions concerning support for children in need and their families. The article concludes with a discussion of ways in wich progress can be made toward the creation of effectivefamily support services. This includes reference to strategies through which social welfare practitioners can attempt to make a direct impact on the material circumstances of families.