Family Inclusion in Child Protection Practice: Building Bridges in Working with (Not against) Families

Abstract

With the benefit of hindsight, child welfare/protection practices of the last century have attracted considerable criticism in terms of harm caused to children and their families despite what, at the time, were seen as good intentions. In light of this history it is appropriate to consider how the current system will be viewed in years to come. This is particularly the case given the escalating numbers of children in out of home care prompting grave concerns for the sustainability of the current child protection system. The paper identifies how renewed attention to family inclusion in child protection practice could be a key strategy both for building sustainability and in providing clear benefits for children, their families and communities. The paper explores essential elements of inclusive practice, drawing substantially on research studies which have documented the experiences of parents who lose their children into out-of-home care. Implications for education, training, support and professional supervision of child protection workers and of foster carers are suggested in the concluding section of the paper.

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