What can we learn from inquiries into cases of fatal child abuse? Beyond Blame offers a new way of looking at such cases and shows that it is possible to draw important lessons from them. The authors, all three experienced in child protection work, summarise thirty-five major inquiries since 1973, setting them in their social context and discussing the implications both for practical work in the field and for future inquiries. They stress the need for those who work day to day in child protection to develop and apply a more sophisticated level of analysis to assessment and intervention. They identify common themes within abusing families, in the relationships between members of the professional networks, and in the interactions between the families and the professionals.

Courts considering the future of maltreated children face complex and controversial questions, and the professional experts advising the courts must often address dilemmas which are key to the child's future but challenge the limits of current knowledge.

Studies in the Assessment of Parenting brings together acknowledged experts who consider difficult questions that can arise during family proceedings, and respond with practical approaches for dealing with these demanding and complex issues. A wide range of chapter topics place emphasis on considering the child's perspective whilst assessing parents who show a range of problems. Chapter topics are presented as challenging questions such as:
· What principles guide parenting assessments?
· Can parents with personality disorders adequately care for children?
· How does a judge weigh up a case?

Studies in the Assessment of Parenting offers a review of the latest literature but moreover a practical guide essential to those such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and paediatricians who give their expert opinions to courts in child care cases. In addition it will inform a range of professionals involved in day-to-day child protection work or whose role it is to enhance the safety and well-being of children within their families.

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A follow-up to Beyond Blame: Child Abuse Tragedies Revisited (1993), which analyzed the cases at the centre of 35 public inquiries into fatal child abuse. In this text, the authors use the same process of case analysis and apply it to a more representative sample of cases. They describe the theoretical basis and method of the study and its findings, and go on to discuss its practical implications and their opinions about the case review process itself. Finally, the authors discuss whether child abuse fatalities can be predicted or prevented.

What can we learn from inquiries into cases of fatal child abuse? Beyond Blame offers a new way of looking at such cases and show that it is possible to draw important lessons from them. The authors, all three experienced in child protection work, summarise thirty-five major inquiries since 1973, setting them in their social context and discussing the implications both for practical work in the field and for future inquiries.
They stress the need for those who work day to day in child protection to develop and apply a more sophisticated level of analysis to assessment and intervention. They identify common themes within abusing families, in the relationships between members of the professional networks, and in the interactions between the families and the professionals.

Related link: Free Email Alerting

This autobiographical book describes the author's childhood growing up in an abusive household and how God opened her eyes to this "journey" of turning her past experiences into a mission to help victims of domestic violence. Readers, whether victims of abuse or not, will appreciate the message of hope that the author provides in showing that one's past can become a meaningful building block to their future. "Sylvia invites you to observe what took place behind the closed doors of her childhood home where domestic abuse resided. She describes "IT" by taking you on a tour inside the concrete walls where..... Excuses, denials, depression, rationalizing, false hopes, addictions, generational curses are as much in residence as the family inside. Sylvia's story gives insight into abusive homes not to garner pity but to show how victims of abuse can overcome their adversities. Through the pages of this book you will find a safe place and permission to release tears, fears, sorrows and shame. You will be empowered to tell your story to others who are on a road you have already traveled. You are reassured that you are not a victim of your past and there is healing for mind, body and soul." Darlene Sheardon, President NuRevelations, LLC "Thank God that this author was brave enough to tell her story. This book is a testimony of how God is always at work in our lives, despite the tragedies and obstacles we face as a result of domestic violence in any capacity as well as for those who just need to have a prayerful watch." Rev. Joyce Dorch. If you have abandoned your dreams because you can't let go of the past, it's time to let go and come into the future God has planned for you

This collection of poems and essays is where Zen and writing meet. Zen is about simply sitting and awakening to being a fully alive human being, interconnected with the world. Writing is about awakening the creative mind and allowing it to become fully alive and connected with the world. Each breath is a moment. Each word is a moment. The work presented here reflects some of those small moments.