The state is increasingly experienced as both intrusive and neglectful, particularly by those living in poverty, leading to loss of trust and widespread feelings of alienation and disconnection. Against this tense background, this innovative book argues that child protection policies and practices have become part of the problem, rather than ensuring children’s well-being and safety. Building on the ideas in the best-selling Re-imagining child protection and drawing together a wide range of social theorists and disciplines, the book: •Challenges existing notions of child protection, revealing their limits; •Ensures that the harms children and families experience are explored in a way that acknowledges the social and economic contexts in which they live; •Explains how the protective capacities within families and communities can be mobilised and practices of co-production adopted; •Places ethics and human rights at the centre of everyday conversations and practices.
Brid Featherstone is Professor of Social Work at the University of Huddersfield. Anna Gupta is Professor of Social Work at Royal Holloway, University of London.Kate Morris is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sheffield.Sue White is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sheffield.
IntroductionTrouble ahead? Contending discourses in child protectionBuilding better people: policy aspirations and family lifeFamily experiences of care and protection services: the good, the bad and the hopefulA social model for protecting children: changing our thinking?A social model: experiences in practiceDomestic abuse: a case studyCrafting different stories: changing minds and heartsConcluding thoughts
“Protecting Children provides an incisive critique of the current system and compelling case examples of the mistreatment of families. The book documents and champions alternative approaches so that families’ lived experience and perspective frame the discussion and interventions. The book is a useful tool for students, practitioners and policy pros.” David Tobis, Maestral International