The everyday lives of children in care: using a sociological perspective to inform social work practice

This chapter has three main aims. Firstly, it introduces how contemporary
sociological approaches to the study of childhood can enable us to make sense
of the social worlds of children and young people. Secondly, the chapter reports
on how we are drawing on such approaches to inform the establishment of an
on-going research project with looked after children, (Extra)ordinary Lives, and
some findings from the research are presented. Thirdly, the chapter explores
the relevance of sociological approaches to the study of childhood for direct
practice, drawing out implications of both the research methods and some of
the research findings fo r those who work with children and young people.