Overview

In the face of major global demographic change, social care policy and practice are in urgent need of radical reform and reassessment. Rising poverty, inequality and pressure on local communities internationally, are also increasing the urgent need for reform. Drawing on the crisis-ridden UK experience as a case-study, this highly original book identifies the limits of the traditional welfare state in taking forward policy for the twenty-first century. The proposals amount to a renewed approach to social care, based on the philosophy of independent living as originally developed by the international disabled people’s movement and subsequently embodied in a United Nations treaty applicable to all in need of care and support. Despite wide international sign up since adoption in 2008 there is little evidence of any nation successfully delivering. For the first time, this book offers both a blueprint for an environmentally sustainable, rights-based approach to social care and a practical route to achieving it.

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9781803923000

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Reviews

'The omnipresent debate about social care in the UK, and beyond, demands a radical and imaginative solution that places rights and sustainability at its core. This book does just that, offering a coherent, accessible blueprint for a transformative, inclusive and practical approach. I really enjoyed reading it.' -- Alisoun Milne, Professor Emeritus of Social Gerontology and Social Work, University of Kent. Research Excellence Framework 2021 Sub Panel member Social Work and Social Policy 'The authors cogently outline a credible solution to solve the adult social care crisis and set out a pathway to create a framework that provides independent living for people who need care and support. Clearly written, the book is an interesting read for service users; a must read for professionals.' -- Donald O'Neal, Author of The Lack of Care Act 2014: Service users' perspectives of a failing adult social care system 'In part a detailed historical account, in part a clarion call to a better future, this important analysis deserves a wide readership. Both erudite and accessible, it is written with passion and compassion. The views of people on the receiving end of social care are centre stage, as are both the evidence base to underpin policy going forward and the global forces that will shape the future context. It stands too as a celebration of social care, what it offers and what it deserves. As such, it provides the strongest possible foundation for action to transform a Cinderella service in the shadow of healthcare into a rights-based, sustainable and just system.' -- Suzy Braye, Professor Emeritus Social Work, University of Sussex and formerly Editor in Chief of European Journal of Social Work 'A must-read for anyone with any interest in social care. Beresford and Slasberg have brought together their extensive knowledge to powerfully expose the realities of a system responsible for support that is essential for social well-being and of growing demographic importance yet historically neglected, under-funded and concealed from public comprehension by complexity and spin. They make a compelling case for the need for urgent change.' -- Ellen Clifford, Disabled activist, disability consultant and writer. Author of The War on Disabled People, winner of the 2021 Bread and Roses award for radical publishing 'This book comes at a very opportune time, when social care throughout the UK is in dire need of re-acquainting itself with its foundational ethics, values and purpose. Beresford and Slasberg boldly advance a new paradigm, based on a person-centred, human rights-based approach. Written in a clear and understandable format, the book would be of equal benefit to students, policy makers, and practitioners.' -- James Elder-Woodward, Disabled Activist, Chair of Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living, Vice-Convenor Inclusion Scotland

Author Information

Peter Beresford, OBE, Visiting Professor, University of East Anglia and Co-Chair of Shaping Our Lives, UK and Colin Slasberg, Independent Researcher and Consultant in Social Care, UK

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