Essay Journal of Social Work Practice Case Study – Management Assignment Help

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ABSTRACT
Attachment theory may be considered controversial given that some of its foundational principles are contested. Not only this, it is cur- rently being developed by insights from neuroscience, another per- \\ spective that academics have subjected to critique. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the twenty-first century in England and the United Kingdom in general, there has been a renewed interest in its expla- nation of child development, as well as its application in schools, social care settings and the practice of professionals such as social workers and teachers. This paper outlines the core principles of attachment theory, acknowledges some of the criticisms, then traces the ways in which the theory has been developed over time. The theory is then illustrated with a description of the ways in which it is being applied in the training of foster carers, the provision of support to adoptive parents and in the school environment.

Introduction
In England in 2015 the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence provided guidance on the identification, assessment and treatment of attachment difficulties of children in the care system or at risk of entering the care system (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2015). In the same year, the Department for Education provided advice on attach- ment disorder and the mental health of children in the school (Department for Education [DfE], 2015). Whilst the principles of human attachment are informing policies and practice, the theory itself has been subjected to critique. This paper outlines the theoretical principles first proposed by Bowlby, responds to some of the critiques, but also draws attention to the various ways in which the original theory has been built upon. Examples of the ways in which the theory is being taken up in social work, social care and education are then provided.

Attachment theory: definition and foundational principles
Attachment is the strong, affectionate tie we have with special people in our lives that leads us to experience pleasure and joy when we interact with them and to be comforted by their nearness in times of stress. By the second half of the first year, infants have become attached to familiar people who have responded to their needs (Berk, 2013, p. 428).