Children, Spirituality, Religion and Social Work

A study of spirituality in children, focusing on understanding for the purpose of requirements for social work practice and attention to whole care of the whole child. It examines whole care of the child in all child welfare situations and provides questions and suggestions for everyday practice.

Attention to children’s spiritual and religious well-being is required by legislation, Government guidelines and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989. Margaret Crompton has worked with and on behalf of children as a social worker, lecturer and writer. Her recent publications include Children and Counselling and a training pack, Children, Spirituality and Religion. This jargon-free book develops and adds to those ideas and materials, focusing on everyday practice in social work, education and health care. Reference is made to several religions and to ideas about spirituality, which is not necessarily associated with religious belief and observance. Practitioners’ experience is also cited. Topics include, spiritual and religious rights, spiritual development, needs and well-being, implications of religious beliefs and observances for daily life and care, abuse and neglect, death, including suicide and abortion and communication, including stories and play.