Children and Families in Communities

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. The latest policy initiatives to tackle social problems have therefore targeted communities as well as high risk families. This title amalgamates the latest research on the relationship between children, families and communities and explores policy and practice implications. Material for practitioners and community development workers is also be included. The book is divided in to three parts: 1) theory 2) the effect of community on children, parents and families 3) interventions and policy implications.

About the Authors ix Foreword xi Preface xxi 1 Introduction 1 2 Theories of Community Influence 13 3 Assessing Neighbourhood and Community Characteristics 38 4 The Influence of Neighbourhood and Community Characteristics on Families and Children 53 5 Children and Young People in Communities 67 6 Community Interventions and Policy 86 7 Community Interventions Aimed at Early Child Development and Parenting Problems 104 8 Children’s Participation in Community Consultation and Planning 132 9 Schools as Communities and Schools within Communities 150 10 Community Based Approaches to Youth Safety and Juvenile Crime 171 11 Conclusions 190 References 197 Index 221