Available open access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

Based on the findings of the Innovate Project, a four year pan-UK study to identify the processes of innovation in care, this book asks: how can services be re-envisioned and transformed through innovation? The authors provide an overview of the project findings and offer insights into the core conditions necessary for socially just and practice-congruent social care innovation that responds to the distinctive, contemporary safeguarding concerns facing young people.

Essential reading for anyone engaged in social care practice and innovation, as well as those undertaking continuing professional development, this book will aid the reader in developing a conceptual understanding of their experiences and support them in designing more informed responses to the challenges they face.

“Texts on the complexity of innovating in social care are rare. This highly informative book offers policy makers and practitioners a clear account of what it takes to successfully use innovation to improve practice. Seen through the lens of three innovative models of practice, it provides insight, clarity and guidance as to how to steer a course through the challenges organisations may encounter on such a journey.” Louise Brown, University of Bath

Michelle Lefevre is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex.

Nathalie Huegler is Research Fellow at the University of Sussex.

Jenny Lloyd is Assistant Professor (Research) at Durham University.

Rachael Owens is Assistant Professor (Research) at Durham University.

Jeri Damman is Senior Lecturer at the University of Sussex.

Gillian Ruch is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex.

Carlene Firmin is Professor of Social Work at Durham University.