Table of Contents

Contents Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Optimism and family work 2. Four optimistic approaches to family work 3. Solution-focused work with families 4. Narrative approach to working with families 5. Cognitive work with families 6. Community building and family work 7. Working within one approach 8. Beyond technique: optimism in practice 9. Optimism on another level: working with other agencies References Index

About the Author

Bronwen Elliott is a social worker with wide experience in working with families and consults with a range of agencies to improve their services. Louise Mulroney has worked for the last twenty years in the field of child and family welfare, particularly in the areas of training and policy development. Di O'Neil is Director of Special Projects and Training for St Luke's Family Care in Bendigo, and co-author of Beyond Child Rescue.