Focusing on family support as a key factor in the success of welfare services for children and families, this book will be an invaluable resource for all those engaged in their development and delivery. Underpinned by a sound belief in reflective practice, the book is structured around four themes: - conceptual frameworks and vocabulary (defining)- policy and organisational structures and processing (planning)- tools for creative practice (doing)- approaches to evaluation (measuring)The editors, well-known and respected in the field, have brought together contributors from around the world to provide international perspectives on core issues in family support. These include the importance of community, the role of statutory and voluntary agencies, youth advocacy, culturally appropriate family support, child protection, disability services and effective means of evaluation. Providing a combination of clear theoretical frameworks and practice-based chapters, with clear 'how to' messages and a strong emphasis on evaluation, this book will be of interest to social workers, care staff, teachers, community development and police officers, students, policy-makers, evaluators and all those working in all areas of family support.- Well-known and respected editors, all of whom have had numerous other books and chapters published in the area- International contributors - a global perspective on family support- Combines theory and practice.