Behind Closed Doors: SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING: Why

Description: FREE SHIPPING UK WIDE Behind Closed Doors: SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING by Polly Curtis A searing portrait of English society seen through the lives of families and workers in the care system. FORMAT Paperback CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political WritingBrilliant . . . I love this book LEMN SISSAYA must-read book JACQUELINE WILSONExtraordinary OLIVER BULLOUGHEveryone should read this book HILARY COTTAMImportant IAN BIRRELLVital HANNAH JANE PARKINSONMeet the mother whose children were taken away, and the father who fought for his son. Listen to the radical social worker, the judge, the lawyer. See inside the homes of foster carers, adoptive parents and children in care. Because behind closed doors, a scandal is ongoing.We now remove more children from their parents than ever before. Childrens Care is a system where fathers are ignored, and mothers are punished for experiencing abuse. Rife with prejudices about race, ableism and class, determined by a postcode lottery. Blind to poverty and its effects on family life. And, at its very worst, an exercise in social engineering that can never replace parental love.From North to South, rich and poor, Black and white, these are the people who know, first-hand, what is going wrong - and how we can fix it. Flap Reveals a hidden side of Britain Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland We now remove more children from their parents than any time since records began, more than other western countries. Mothers are punished. Fathers are ignored . Social workers are burning out. Poverty is invisible. Children are failed. By going behind closed doors, by listening to families and workers, we can understand what is going wrong - and we can fix it. In this balanced, forensic and compelling book Polly Curtis shows what is happening to the most vulnerable families in Britain Hilary Cottam, author of Radical Help This book, by one of Britains best journalists writing about social justice, provides a damning indictment of just that: a dysfunctional society that is punishing victims instead of investing in the roots of the problem Mariana Mazzucato, UCL Professor, author of Mission Economy One of the most important books on British society for many years Matt dAncona, author of Identity, Ignorance, Innovation Author Biography Polly Curtis is an author and journalist dedicated to reporting on social justice. Having worked at Tortoise, HuffPost, the British Red Cross and for sixteen years as Education Editor, Whitehall Correspondent, News Editor and Digital Editor at the Guardian, she was a visiting fellow at the University of Oxfords Reuters Institute and was most recently Managing Director of PA Media. Born in Camden, she still lives there, with her husband and two children. Review A riveting investigation into how society looks after its greatest and most valuable vulnerable asset: the child. Behind Closed Doors is a page-turner on one hand and a thoughtful meditation on the other: dispassionate, balanced and brave. Curtis goes where most do not and draws surprisingly frank testimony from judges, social workers, parents and children. Every parent, every politician, every social worker should read this brilliant book on our present state. * Lemn Sissay, author of My Name is Why *A must-read book. Its a brilliant examination of the Care system, with thoughtful suggestions of how it can be improved. Polly Curtis is refreshingly honest, sensitive and never shrill. * Jacqueline Wilson, author of The Story of Tracy Beaker *This extraordinary book reveals a hidden side of Britain we should all know about. Its sympathetic, and passionate, and an absolute must-read. * Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland *We have invisibly re-written the rules of family life creating one of the biggest child removal systems in the world. In this balanced, forensic and compelling book Polly Curtis shows what is happening to the most vulnerable families in Britain, how we are all complicit and what we could do about it. Everyone should read this book. * Hilary Cottam, author of Radical Help *Gandhi claimed that The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. This book, by one of Britains best journalists writing about social justice, provides a damning indictment of just that: a dysfunctional society that is punishing victims instead of investing in the roots of the problem. Anyone interested in the social and economic solutions to the system that is failing children and their families must read this book. * Mariana Mazzucato, UCL Professor, author of Mission Economy *One of the most important books on British society for many years. It is rigorous, evidence-led and clear-eyed. But it is also immensely readable, thanks to her ability to weave humanity and public policy into a fine narrative. Curtiss book is much more than a study of children, families and social services: it is an MRI scan of society as a whole and its interconnected dysfunctions. In its scope, originality and potential impact, I can only compare it to Richard Hoggarts The Uses of Literacy (1957): it deserves the widest possible readership. * Matt dAncona, Tortoise *An important book that poses profound questions for our society * Ian Birrell, winner of the 2020 Orwell Prize for Investigating Social Evils *A fascinating and much-needed study into the UKs opaque and Kafkaesque child protection system. Curtis explores the stories beyond sensationalist headlines and gives voice to the children and parents so often reduced to statistics. Whether it is shadowing a judge, explaining the difference between public and private family proceedings, or interviewing politicians, Curtis walks us through every aspect of the care apparatus. Behind Closed Doors is equal parts characterful, narrative drive and impeccably researched guide. Much in this book is shocking and surprising, some is motivating and inspiring: all of it is vital. A book which should be read by anybody who has ever been a child. * Hannah Jane Parkinson *Unflinching yet compassionate reflection of the UKs care system . . . Essential reading on possibly the most important and overlooked responsibility of the state. -- Eve White * Reaction, 2022 *Meticulous . . . Curtis excavates the truth -- Yvonne Roberts * Observer *An impressive balance between empathy and investigation... Curtis doesnt only highlight the problem - of thousands of families being broken up due to institutional fears and failings - but also proposes solutions that are persuasive and practicable -- Books of the Year * Prospect * Long Description Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing Brilliant . . . I love this book LEMN SISSAY A must-read book JACQUELINE WILSON Extraordinary OLIVER BULLOUGH Everyone should read this book HILARY COTTAM Important IAN BIRRELL Vital HANNAH JANE PARKINSON Meet the mother whose children were taken away, and the father who fought for his son. Listen to the radical social worker, the judge, the lawyer. See inside the homes of foster carers, adoptive parents and children in care. Because behind closed doors, a scandal is ongoing.We now remove more children from their parents than ever before. Childrens Care is a system where fathers are ignored, and mothers are punished for experiencing abuse. Rife with prejudices about race, ableism and class, determined by a postcode lottery. Blind to poverty and its effects on family life. And, at its very worst, an exercise in social engineering that can never replace parental love.From North to South, rich and poor, Black and white, these are the people who know, first-hand, what is going wrong - and how we can fix it. Review Quote A riveting investigation into how society looks after its greatest and most valuable vulnerable asset: the child. Behind Closed Doors is a page-turner on one hand and a thoughtful meditation on the other: dispassionate, balanced and brave. Curtis goes where most do not and draws surprisingly frank testimony from judges, social workers, parents and children. Every parent, every politician, every social worker should read this brilliant book on our present state. Promotional "Headline" A searing portrait of English society seen through the lives of families and workers in the care system. Details ISBN0349014515 Author Polly Curtis Year 2023 ISBN-10 0349014515 ISBN-13 9780349014517 Format Paperback Pages 320 Imprint Virago Press Ltd Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom Publisher Little, Brown Book Group Publication Date 2023-01-12 UK Release Date 2023-01-12 Subtitle Why We Break Up Families – and How to Mend Them DEWEY 362.70941 Audience Tertiary & Higher Education NZ Release Date 2023-05-01 AU Release Date 2023-05-01 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! 30 DAY RETURN POLICY No questions asked, 30 day returns! FREE DELIVERY No matter where you are in the UK, delivery is free. SECURE PAYMENT Peace of mind by paying through PayPal and eBay Buyer Protection TheNile_Item_ID:139506887;

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End Time: 2025-01-09T03:23:21.000Z

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