Protecting Children in Time provides a highly original analysis of the origins and development of the taken-for-granted notion that it is possible through social intervention to protect children from avoidable harm and even death, to protect children in time . By using case-studies which span the past 120 years of 'modern' practices and drawing on the work of leading social theorists of modernity and risk society it provides a new way of thinking about constructions of child abuse as a social problem and child protection as a late-modern expert system and experience. It proposes new ways of conceptualizing relationships between professionals, children at risk and families and deepens our understanding of what effective interventions have to involve.

Focusing on good working practice in all aspects of conducting enquiries into alleged child abuse, this book takes a positive approach to improving relationships between the workers and the families involved. Each chapter concentrates on a specific issue, including topics such as gatekeeping, planning an enquiry, interviewing children, medical examinations, and recorded agreements. Practice, research, and procedures are examined critically, from a perspective which emphasises the importance of partnership with children and families. This book is essential reading for social services practitioners and managers, voluntary organisations and all concerned with the current debate about the role of enquiries into alleged child abuse and neglect. This book forms part of a re-examination of enquiries into alleged child abuse managed jointly by the National Institute for Social Work, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and Parents Against INjustice.

The Impossible Imperative brings to life the daily efforts of child welfare professionals working on behalf of vulnerable children and families. Stories that highlight the work, written by child welfare staff on the front lines, speak to the competing principles that shape everyday decisions. The book shows that, rather than being simple task of protecting children, the field of child welfare is shaped by a series of competing ideas. The text features eight principles that undergird child protection practice, all of which are typically in conflict with others. These principles guide practice and direct the course of policymaking, but when liberated from their aspirational context and placed in the real world, they are fraught with contradiction. The Impossible Imperative is designed to inspire a lively debate about the fundamental nature of child welfare and about the principles that serve as the foundation for the work. It can be used as a teaching tool for aspiring professionals and as motivation to those looking to social work to make a difference in the world.

The turn of the 1990s saw a number of high profile public inquiries into the handling of child sexual abuse cases in Great Britain. Governing Child Sexual Abuse examines the implications of these inquiries on the regulation of relationships between families and the state. In so doing, Samantha Ashenden brings a number of contemporary debates in social and political theory to bear upon the governance of child sexual abuse. In particular, drawing on the work of Foucault and Habermas, she looks at:

*how to analyze the boundary between public and private spheres
*the legal and scientific determination of legitimate intervention
*the relationship between democracy and expertise in the governance of social life.

This book will be of particular interest to scholars and students of social and political theory, political sociology, the sociology of law, and social policy.

Written to give the front line practitioner help in assessing and managing allegations of sexual abuse cases with children from the ages of 18 months to six years old, Small Voices provides concrete and easily understood information about basic child development, interview procedures, and case management theory. Case examples throughout this book combine a hands-on approach with child development theory and research. Extensive experience is integrated with research findings in a detailed and practical manner to provide: An overview of child development information as it applies to interviewing young children A protocol for assessment of preverbal children that is grounded in theory and research A format for assessment of children from three to five years old A review of the strengths and weaknesses of some current interview formats A technique for structured interviewing that surveys a range of touching A procedure for structured reunification of a child and alleged abuser after unproven allegations

If we can believe the six o'clock news, there has been an epidemic of sexual abuse among the clergy, and especially among the Roman Catholic clergy. Neither an expose nor an apology, Pedophiles and Priests takes a close, dispassionate look at the entire history of this mushrooming scandal, from the first rumblings to the explosion of headlines. Philip Jenkins has written a fascinating, exhaustive, and above all even-handed account that not only puts this particular crisis in perspective, but offers an eye-opening look at the way in which an issue takes hold of the popular imagination. Jenkins argues convincingly not only that clergy sex abuse is far less widespread than the headlines suggest, but that there is nothing at all particularly Roman Catholic about the problem.

This beautiful and deeply moving tale recounts educational psychologist Torey Hayden's battle to unlock the emotions of a troubled and sexually abused child who, with the help of Hayden, was finally able to overcome her dark past and realise her full potential. Six-year-old Sheila was abandoned by her mother on a highway when she was four. A survivor of horrific abuse, she never spoke, never cried, and was placed in a class for severely retarded children after committing an atrocious act of violence against another child. Everyone thought Sheila was beyond salvation -- except her teacher, Torey Hayden. With patience, skill, and abiding love, she fought long and hard to release a haunted little girl from her secret nightmare -- and nurture the spark of genius she recognised trapped within Sheila's silence. This is the remarkable story of their journey together -- an odyssey of hope, courage, and inspiring devotion that opened the heart and mind of one lost child to a new world of discovery and joy.

This book aims to document and analyse the enduring involvement of children in the commercial sex trade in twentieth-century England. It uncovers new evidence to indicate the extent of under-age prostitution over this period, a much-neglected subject despite the increased visibility of children more generally. The authors argue that child prostitution needs to be understood within a broader context of child abuse, and that this provides one of the clearest manifestations of the way in which 'deviant groups' can be conceived of as both victims and threats. The picture of child prostitution which emerges is one of exclusion from mainstream society and the law, and remoteness from the agencies set up to help young people in trouble, which were often reluctant to accept the realities of child prostitution. The evidence provided in this book indicates that the circumstances which have led young people into prostitution over the last hundred years amount, at worst, to physical or psychological abuse or neglect, and at best as the result of limited choice.

Based on a significant body of evidence regarding young children's unique affective, physical, and cognitive development, The Tender Years illuminates the interrelationship of child welfare practice, child development outcomes, and public policy. The authors offer a fundamental framework for decision-making in child welfare and recommend specific changes in policy and practice aimed at moving the system toward greater developmental sensitivity.

The 1990s has witnessed a resurgence of interest and concern in the issue of domestic violence. While women are predominantly targets of this violence, there is now a recognition that children are also significantly affected by violence towards their mothers. This report explores the problems and opportunities presented for child protection workers responding to child abuse that occurred in the context of violence towards the child(ren)'s mother. This particular aspect of domestic violence intervention is frequently overlooked as issues such as policing, child contact, interagency working and offender programmes have gained precedence in the development of intervention strategies. The responses of social services departments to child abuse arising in the context of domestic violence remain some of the most contentious and controversial in this area. This report: gives a detailed account of social work practice in the area of domestic violence, using many case examples which illustrate the barriers to effective intervention; looks in particular at the needs of Asian families in the context of domestic violence and child abuse; recognises the difficulties of developing sensitive child welfare practice in an area where there has been a traditional separation of services for women and services for children; provides good practice examples for overcoming the traditional difficulties in this area. This report is important reading for practitioners, policy makers and managers in social services, and their equivalents in a range of other agencies involved in child protection. It is also valuable reading for social work academics and students interested in the area of domestic violence.

Discover research from across the United States and around the world on children exposed to domestic violence!If you are a member of a helping, medical, or legal profession, Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Current Issues in Research, Intervention, Prevention, and Policy Development will help you explore research, assessments, interventions, and policy and prevention for children, victims of battering, batterers, and their families. This important book focuses on various aspects of spousal/partner abuse and child maltreatment. Comprehensive and thorough, Children Exposed to Domestic Violence focuses on three major sections: theoretical and research issues, intervention and prevention strategies, and policy development from an international perspective. Some of the important issues you will examine include: exploring the importance of partnerships between the domestic violence front-line workers and researchers at universities addressing the thorny issues of parenting in abused women assessing all areas of children's adjustment as well as their various relationships that may be problematic investigating the results of a quarter century research on men who batter by focusing on the crucial link between exposure to violence in childhood and adult marital behavior understanding the role of physiological and environmental factors as central to the role in domestic violence exploring the challenges faced by shelter staff in providing services to children who accompany their mother to find refuge examining new ideas for primary prevention programs in schools understanding policy and legislative implications of the growing body of literature on the impact of exposure to violence on children Children Exposed to Domestic Violence exemplifies the serious challenges faced by social workers, educators, policymakers, psychologists and others in helping professions working with children who have been exposed to domestic violence. You will gain insight into the vast amount of research that has taken place in the last ten years on this problem that will assist you with creating research ideas, interventions, prevention programs, and policies concerning children exposed to domestic violence.

In a Place of Flame is a deeply moving collection of prayers by a victim of incest. Tracing the survivor's journey from trauma to recovery in language powerful and poetic, this book offers a new model of prayer for people of faith who have lived through personal tragedy. By turns lyrical, meditative, comic, and irreverent, the author leads us along a path to self-acceptance. This is a book that promises to become a classic in the literature of self-recovery.

Understanding the Paradox of Surviving Childhood Trauma offers clinicians a new framework for understanding the symptoms and coping mechanisms displayed by survivors of childhood abuse. This approach considers how characteristics such as suicidality, self-harm, persistent depression, and anxiety can have roots in behaviors and beliefs that helped patients survive their trauma. This book provides practitioners with case examples, practical tips, and techniques for applying this mindset directly to their most complex cases. By depathologizing patients' experiences and behaviors, and moving beyond simply managing them, therapists can reduce their clients' shame and work collaboratively to understand the underlying message that these behaviors conceal.

Nurses, midwives and health visitors have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. In this clear and invaluable guide, Catherine Powell focuses on the practical aspects of safeguarding and how healthcare professionals should respond to safeguarding children concerns. Key features of the book include: * Setting out the roles and responsibilities of nurses, midwives and health visitors working in a range of settings, including those working primarily with adult clients * Realistic case scenarios of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect, covering infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents * Explanations of inter-agency working and the roles of other key players such as children's social care, the police and education services * 'Markers of Good Practice' boxes highlighting lessons for practice. The book covers the full spectrum of safeguarding children work; from prevention and early help through to statutory intervention and serious case review. New for this expanded Second Edition are: * A new chapter on child sexual exploitation, and more consideration of risks for children online * More detail on the links between domestic violence and abuse and child maltreatment * New 'Child Perspective' boxes to encourage further thought about the voice and role of the child Safeguarding and Child Protection for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors 2e is an essential tool for students and will be invaluable for practicing healthcare staff who face an array of complex and sensitive issues in the field of safeguarding. "Dr Catherine Powell is the Institute of Health Visiting safeguarding expert, advising us on any national safeguarding issues or changes of policy. I am personally delighted that she has updated this important book. Safeguarding is the practice area that nurses, midwives and health visitors must not shy away from. It can however provide their greatest professional challenges as well as making them feel anxious about providing correct professional responses. This is a very well-structured and comprehensive book. The author very effectively brings safeguarding responsibilities to life with the use of case studies. The recurring features in the book are helpful and I very much like the inclusion of the child or young person's perspective boxes. For the inexperienced professional this can be forgotten when swamped with a complex situation. By keeping the child's perspective at the centre of all decision-making the right decisions are more likely to be made. Perhaps of particular value to learning will be the chapter on child death and serious case reviews, something professionals seek to avoid ever being involved in, but sometimes find themselves having to face. It is therefore important to learn from these reviews of what went wrong, a breakdown in professional communication so often being a feature. This chapter explains how a serious case review is carried out and allows the reader to understand how they might be asked to contribute to the process. To have a book such as this to use as a professional companion, not only to refer to and check facts, or underpin decision making, but also to expand professional knowledge, will lead to improved safeguarding practices, prompt, appropriate interventions, and better outcomes for children and families. Safeguarding is of course everyone's business and others needing to refresh or update their skills in this area will also find the information included of great value." Dr Cheryll Adams, Director, Institute of Health Visiting, UK "This is a very readable and practical book which achieves its aim to raise awareness about good safeguarding and child protection practice. The book is intended to prepare nursing, midwifery and specialist community public health nursing students and those 'returning to practice', but it will also be of use to more experienced practitioners who work with children, young people and their families, wanting to update their learning in the field. The book clearly reflects the author's expertise and knowledge in safeguarding and child protection practice. It contains a wealth of extremely useful information presented in an easily accessible fashion. The range of case examples, practice points and new for this second edition, a 'child's perspective' box, brings the text to life and focuses the reader's attention on practice needing to be 'child-centred'. This is an excellent book, which I thoroughly recommend." Jane V. Appleton, Professor in Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, UK "All nurses have a duty to inform and alert appropriate personnel if they suspect a child has been abused, and to know where they can seek expert advice and support if they have concerns. This comprehensive text providing the link between legislation, policy, research and practice will enable students and practitioners to expand their knowledge and understanding of the key issues involved in safeguarding children and young people." Fiona Smith, Professional Lead for Children and Young People's Nursing, Royal College of Nursing, UK

Paul Mason's father was a policeman. He was also a member of a sadistic paedophile ring. He would keep Paul locked up and naked in a tiny cupboard under the stairs of their home before sexually abusing him. This cycle of abuse continued for several years and also affected his brother. The cupboard became a horrific prison where fear and terror filled his every moment. The Cupboard Under the Stairs is a story of abuse at the mercy of adults whom Paul should have been able to trust. There followed a life almost destroyed by their actions. It is the harrowing story of one man's fight for justice and an end to the horrific memories that still haunt him daily.

Child abuse cases are unique in that they involve seldomly witnessed acts. A nonverbal victim and a silent perpetrator will often lead to a stalling of the investigation and the judicial process. Effective Child Abuse Investigation for the Multi-Disciplinary Team is a practical guide for law enforcement officers and child protection workers in abuse investigations. It demonstrates how all members of the team can best work together to consolidate the medical, social, and legal facts in each case, increasing the chances for successful prosecution and enhancing child safety. Presenting the insight of an investigator with more than two decades of experience, this book guides investigators in the best practices of abuse investigations through a better understanding of the dynamics of abuse, the mechanisms of injury, and the efficient use of professional expertise. Topics include: Forming an investigative plan Differentiating between accidental and abusive injury Triggers for abuse most often cited by perpetrators Common defenses, including religious or constitutional justification for punishment Legal and social factors associated with taking a child into protective custody Preparing for civil and criminal trial Additional topics include the danger of investigative bias, female sex offenders, child development, and basic medical terminology associated with abusive head trauma. Appendices include questions to be asked in all cases, a pediatric investigation checklist for first responders, and an investigative timeline checklist. Suitable for any law enforcement training environment, the book demonstrates how working together with the collective knowledge of all members of the team can ensure maltreated children are protected and abusers held accountable for their actions.

The Sunday Times top ten bestseller... 'Nobody knew what was going on behind those doors. We were human toys. Just a piece of meat for someone to play with.' Barbara O'Hare was just 12 when she was admitted to the psychiatric hospital, Aston Hall, in 1971. From a troubled home, she'd hoped she would find sanctuary there. But within hours, Barbara was tied down, drugged with sodium amytal - a truth-telling drug - and then abused by its head physician, Dr Kenneth Milner. The terrifying drug experimentation and relentless abuse that lasted throughout her stay damaged her for life. But somehow, Barbara clung on to her inner strength and eventually found herself leading a campaign to demand answers for potentially hundreds of victims. A shocking account of how vulnerable children were preyed upon by the doctor entrusted with their care, and why it must never happen again.

Reports on the nature and prevalence of child abuse and neglect and organizational responses to the problem to provide a framework for policy and program development.