Children, Spirituality and Religion - A Training Pack

Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work

Available from CCETSW mail order unit, Derbyshire House, St Chad's Street, London WC1H 8AD

ISBN 1 857191668

Price £35

One of the plus points of this pack is that it is so comprehensive that everything appears to be in it (including an evaluation of its own shortfalls).

A clear section on the legislative background, including UN conventions and education law makes a good introduction. The distinction between religion and spirituality is established firmly at the beginning and is a continuing theme throughout.

Detailed attention and due focus is given to seven separate religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Rastafarianism, Sikhism) and the human spirit.

The descriptions, written by people of each faith, of religious beliefs, rites, special days, family traditions and so on are essential reading, especially as they are linked to social work practice, for example, with children in care. They also highlight areas that workers need to be aware of, such as dress codes.

Importantly, there is a clear message not to generalise but to explore and fully assess each client's needs.

Social work practice is examined in relation to spirituality and religion under various areas such as abuse or disability.

This could be used to help practitioners become more creative and spiritual in their work as well as exploring their own beliefs, faith and values: there's an excellent section on communication and ideas for stories.

The difficulty with this pack is its depth - the concepts are often difficult to grasp and more could have been done to make it understandable and easier to use, and to adapt it to the needs of the practitioners who would benefit most - such as workers in residential care, fostering and adoption, bereavement and therapeutic services.

However, the children's quotes, the training ideas, the distinction between spirituality and religion and the way the material has been linked with social work dilemmas and anti-discriminatory practice make it a recommended, albeit uncomfortable, buy.

Caroline Dinsmore is staff development and training officer, Barnardo's Yorkshire division.