Conversation Starters for Direct Work with Children and Young People: Guidance and Activities for Talking About Difficult Subjects (Practical Guides for Direct Work)

This is a direct work book on how to start conversations on difficult subjects with children and young people. Covering challenging topics such as suicide, domestic violence, drug or alcohol misuse, as well as giving evidence in court, this book also includes examples and activity ideas to help support and guide the child. Some children face traumatic or difficult events in their lives, and it's essential that they are helped to understand such events and given permission to talk. To do this, helping adults need to be equipped and confident to start these conversations. Conversation Starters for Direct Work with Children and Young People provides guidance and support for any adult who needs to talk to children about difficult issues. The issues covered include domestic abuse and drug use, mental health issues, adoption and fostering, family illness and bereavement, as well as giving evidence in court. Co-authored by the bestselling author of Direct Work with Vulnerable Children and Direct Work with Family Groups, this book combines seasoned practice wisdom with practical examples and activity ideas to enable you to best help the children in your care Intro -- Conversation Starters for Direct Work with Children and Young People by Audrey Tait and Becky Dunn -- Acknowledgements -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Preparation -- Chapter 3. Partnership Working -- Chapter 4. Talking to Children About Bullying -- Chapter 5. Talking to Children About Domestic Abuse -- Chapter 6. Talking to Children About Divorce and Separation -- Chapter 7. Talking to Children About an Absent Parent -- Chapter 8. Talking to Children About Problematic Alcohol Use -- Chapter 9. Talking to Children About Problematic Drug Use -- Chapter 10. Talking to Children About Foster Care -- Chapter 11. Talking to Children About Adoption and Permanence -- Chapter 12. Talking to Children About Mental Health Problems -- Chapter 13. Talking to Children About Dementia -- Chapter 14. Talking to Children About When Someone in the Family is Unwell -- Chapter 15. Talking to Children About Death and/or Suicide -- Chapter 16. Talking to Children About Giving Evidence in Court -- Chapter 17. Talking to Children About Imprisonment -- Chapter 18. Looking After Yourself -- Appendix: Worry Characters -- References -- Blank Page