Introduction

Chapter 1 provides an overview of contemporary issues in child and family social work. It introduces the field and highlights the importance of ensuring that children, young people, parents and families play a meaningful role in decisions affecting their lives. The chapter explores how recent developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the introduction of digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), are reshaping practice. It reflects on challenges such as rising care rates, workforce pressures and widening inequalities, while underscoring the need for evidence-informed approaches that centre participation. Key theoretical models that underpin participatory practice, including Hart’s Ladder of Participation, Shier’s Pathways to Participation and Lundy’s Model of Participation, are introduced to provide a conceptual foundation for the book. The chapter also outlines the structure of the volume, which is organised into three parts: foundations and contemporary challenges, participatory practices in action and emerging innovations. In doing so, it sets the scene for the chapters that follow, offering readers a clear introduction to the central themes of advocacy, participation and practice development in child and family social work.