What is the social cost of privatising public services? And what effect has the failure of previous privatisations had on their provision? This book, by best-selling author and expert social worker Ray Jones, is the first to tell the story of how crucial social work services, including those for families and children, are now being out-sourced to private companies. Detailing how the failures of previous privatisations have led to the deterioration of services for the public, it shows how this trend threatens the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and disabled adults.
Ray Jones is emeritus professor of social work at Kingston University and St George's, University of London. He has more than 40 years experience as a social worker and has been a director of social services, chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, and chair of the British Association of Social Workers. He is a frequent media columnist and commentator and the author of six books, including the best selling 'The Story of Baby P: Setting the Record Straight' (Policy Press 2014). In 2017 he received the Social Worker of the Year Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Work.
Title: In whose interest?: The Privatisation of Child Protection and Social Work
Author: Jones, Ray
ISBN: 9781447351283
Binding:
Publisher: Policy Press
Publication Date: 2018-12-05
Number of Pages: 320
Weight: 0.4401 kg
Ray remains one of the most knowledgeable and authoritative voices on social work in England today. In this book he effectively charts the dangerous and increasing influx of privatisation into the sector led by years of missguided political ideology. As the commercial commodification of care and social work continues and the Government seeks to strangle the profession this is a timely book that should act as a stark warning to anyone who mistakenly believes that profit driven services will protect the vulnerable. Emma Lewell-Buck, MP
It is beyond doubt that this book is the finest book about the politicisation of child protection and social work in England that has been written to date. Children Australia (CUP)
In the wake of the Carillion failure, this accessible, topical critique of the effect of privatisation and the likely impact on those needing services is of considerable public interest and brings the issues to a wide readership. June Thoburn, CBE, University of East Anglia
There is no book quite like this. Ray's wealth of experience and engaging writing style makes this a must read text for everyone who is interested in and passionate about social work. Jadwiga T. Leigh, University of Sheffield
If Ray Jones didn't exist then all those concerned about the creeping privatisation of social work, particularly in children's services, would have to invent him. His latest book is an important contribution to the argument that social services should be public services. Guy Shennan, former Chair, British Association of Social Workers
Ray Jones combines 50 years' experience in social services with rigorous research and a passionate defence for public services to be delivered by the welfare state. He has produced a riveting account of the increasing privatisation of child protection in England. ... Essential reading for all professionals who have an interest in child protection. Harry Ferguson, Professor of Social Work, University of Birmingham
... A worthwhile and fascinating read ...to be read by anyone concerned with the future of adult social care and children's services. Critical Social Policy
