42 results
Search Results
2. Development of an outcome indicator framework for a universal health visiting programme using routinely collected data.
- Author
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Horne, Margaret, Marryat, Louise, Corby, D. Helen, Doi, Lawrence, Astbury, Ruth, Jepson, Ruth, Morrison, Kathleen, and Wood, Rachael
- Subjects
HEALTH programs ,BREASTFEEDING promotion ,CHILD welfare ,ORAL health - Abstract
Background: Universal health visiting has been a cornerstone of preventative healthcare for children in the United Kingdom (UK) for over 100 years. In 2016, Scotland introduced a new Universal Health Visiting Pathway (UHVP), involving a greater number of contacts with a particular emphasis on the first year, visits within the home setting, and rigorous developmental assessment conducted by a qualified Health Visitor. To evaluate the UHVP, an outcome indicator framework was developed using routine administrative data. This paper sets out the development of these indicators. Methods: A logic model was produced with stakeholders to define the group of outcomes, before further refining and aligning of the measures through discussions with stakeholders and inspection of data. Power calculations were carried out and initial data described for the chosen indicators. Results: Eighteen indicators were selected across eight outcome areas: parental smoking, breastfeeding, immunisations, dental health, developmental concerns, obesity, accidents and injuries, and child protection interventions. Data quality was mixed. Coverage of reviews was high; over 90% of children received key reviews. Individual item completion was more variable: 92.2% had breastfeeding data at 6–8 weeks, whilst 63.2% had BMI recorded at 27–30 months. Prevalence also varied greatly, from 1.3% of children's names being on the Child Protection register for over six months by age three, to 93.6% having received all immunisations by age two. Conclusions: Home visiting services play a key role in ensuring children and families have the right support to enable the best start in life. As these programmes evolve, it is crucial to understand whether changes lead to improvements in child outcomes. This paper describes a set of indicators using routinely-collected data, lessening additional burden on participants, and reducing response bias which may be apparent in other forms of evaluation. Further research is needed to explore the transferability of this indicator framework to other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Local government youth justice policy paper.
- Subjects
CHILD custody policy ,LOCAL government ,JUSTICE ,CHILD welfare ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
The article focuses on Local government youth justice policy paper which calls for a move to a more localized, responsive and child-centered system. Topics include paper stressed urgent action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children who were in custody, adoption of a public health approach to youth justice and childhood vulnerability, & views of Charlotte Ramsden, President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, on it.
- Published
- 2021
4. A synthesis of contextual safeguarding and commonly used child safeguarding theoretical models and approaches.
- Author
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Nyathi, Nhlanganiso
- Subjects
PREVENTION of child abuse ,HUMAN trafficking ,HUMAN rights ,MATHEMATICAL models ,SYSTEMS theory ,CHILDREN'S accident prevention ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,THEORY ,CHILD welfare ,FAMILY relations ,JUDGMENT sampling ,SOCIAL case work - Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to argue that contextual safeguarding complements existing theoretical models and approaches. Its successful integration with dominant thinking and practice in safeguarding potentially offers new insights to improve system-wide practice. Design/methodology/approach: A theory synthesis design was used to purposively identify, summarise and compare selected safeguarding theoretical models and approaches to establish both convergence and divergence. Findings: The arguments provided in this paper suggest that synthesising theory offers a confluence of perspectives that promise to develop a more eclectic and holistic approach to safeguarding practice. The paper demonstrates how contextual safeguarding can be integrated with existing theoretical models and approaches. Research limitations/implications: This is a conceptual paper and therefore is not based on empirical data. Practical implications: This paper's conceptual insights include that integrating contextual safeguarding with existing theoretical models and approaches can broaden the knowledge base to whole system-wide safeguarding practice in the UK. The paper also confirms that the methodology used is feasible, although more work is required to test its efficacy on a larger scale. The conceptual paper argues for synthesis of contextual safeguarding and commonly used child safeguarding theoretical models and approaches to deal with both intra and extra familial forms of risk of harm to children effectively. Social implications: The neglect and abuse of children is a topical issue; hence, this paper has social implications regarding understanding of how the issue child abuse and neglect in the UK and globally should be dealt with. Originality/value: There is a dearth of studies that have gone beyond binary comparisons of contextual safeguarding and other theoretical models and approaches, which leaves a significant knowledge gap that has prompted the purpose of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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5. Child sexual exploitation (CSE) networks: reassembling structure and activity.
- Author
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Dixon, Sophie
- Subjects
- *
CHILD sexual abuse , *SOCIAL network analysis , *DENIAL of service attacks , *CHILD welfare , *SEX crimes , *PEERS , *HUMAN trafficking - Abstract
PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENTChild sexual exploitation perpetrated by organised networks has been a major child protection concern in the UK. This paper uses police investigation files and interviews with police officers to reconstruct and explore the structures and mechanisms underlying offender and victim networks in five cases of network-based CSE perpetrated within UK communities between 2010 and 2021. Using social network analysis and content analysis this paper finds that, while structures vary, most offender networks are loosely connected, lack centres of power and lack structural sophistication. Additionally, examination of the corresponding victim cohorts demonstrates that victims often come from interconnected peer groups intrinsically involved in introducing each other to offender networks. Specific roles in network activity could be identified and matched to both offenders and victims. Statistical analysis shows that an offender’s structural position in the network is related to the specific roles they perform, with different roles showing distinct structural profiles.The study suggests that identifying and targeting offenders with specific roles within CSE networks could aid strategic network disruption. However, it is also implied that when it comes to dismantling networks, taking an offender-centred approach may not be the most effective strategy, as they are structured in a way that is resilient to these tactics. Instead, the study proposes that engaging with victim networks could serve as a more effective alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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6. A systematic review of parenting interventions used by social workers to support vulnerable children.
- Author
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Vseteckova, Jitka, Boyle, Sally, and Higgins, Martyn
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ADVERSE childhood experiences ,NURSING databases ,CINAHL database ,MEDICAL databases ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,ONLINE information services ,SOCIAL support ,PSYCHOLOGICAL vulnerability ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,SOCIAL workers ,PARENTING ,EARLY intervention (Education) ,CHILD welfare ,THEMATIC analysis ,MEDLINE ,SOCIAL case work ,PARENTS ,ERIC (Information retrieval system) - Abstract
This paper reports on the findings from a systematic review of parenting interventions used by social workers to support vulnerable children in the United Kingdom. The study focused on children from birth to 11 years and 11 months based on Munro's rationale for early intervention. From the 423 papers initially identified, twelve met the inclusion criteria for this review. Four common themes were identified: developing relationships, the effectiveness of parenting interventions, societal impact on families and health and psychological concerns. The importance of effective relationships between parents and social workers was identified as key to effective parental interventions but there was limited evidence of improved outcomes for children despite this. A common factor in the studies was the level of parental deprivation which in many cases was associated with a range of mental health issues frequently seen in association with drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence. The review identified a number of successful outcomes across a range of parenting interventions. However, what was surprising was the limited input from the children themselves within this review. Applying our findings to practice, the authors recommend a number of ways to contribute to the development of parenting interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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7. Family Group Conference Provision in UK Local Authorities and Associations with Children Looked after Rates.
- Author
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Wood, Sophie, Scourfield, Jonathan, Meindl, Melissa, Au, Kar Man, Evans, Rhiannon, Jones-Willams, Delyth, Lugg-Widger, Fiona, Pallmann, Philip, Robling, Michael, Schroeder, Elizabeth-Ann, Petrou, Stavros, and Wilkins, David
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CHILD welfare ,SELF-evaluation ,RESEARCH funding ,T-test (Statistics) ,EXECUTIVES ,GOVERNMENT agencies ,PATIENT-family relations ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SOCIAL services ,DECISION making ,FOSTER home care ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,FAMILIES ,ASSOCIATIONS, institutions, etc. ,FAMILY reunification ,COMPARATIVE studies ,FOSTER children ,DATA analysis software ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,PATIENT care conferences ,SOCIAL isolation ,REGRESSION analysis - Abstract
Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare share decision-making with family members by bringing the immediate and wider family together to make a plan to meet a child's needs. This paper reports survey findings on FGC provision in the UK in 2022 and explores whether in England the presence of an FGC service and the rate of FGC provision is associated with the rate of children in care, entering care, in kinship foster care and leaving care. Seventy-nine per cent (n = 167) of local authorities in the UK provided FGCs to families, and 14 per cent (n = 29) did not. Services that were more established offered a more diverse range of FGCs. The introduction of FGCs in English local authorities was associated with a higher rate of children in care, but also higher rates of kinship foster care, a key goal of FGCs where it is not possible for children to stay with their parents. Higher rates of FGCs were associated with more children leaving care, possibly due to reunification with birth families. To understand in more detail, the circumstances of children in and leaving care in local authorities with FGCs, individual data linkage studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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8. What do child protection social workers consider to be the systemic factors driving workforce instability within the English child protection system, and what are the implications for the UK Government's reform strategy?
- Author
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Murphy, Ciarán, Turay, Jennifer, Parry, Nicole, and Birch, Nicola
- Subjects
- *
OCCUPATIONAL disease risk factors , *CHILD welfare , *RISK assessment , *CRITICISM , *SOCIAL workers , *RESEARCH funding , *PROFESSIONAL practice , *FOCUS groups , *LABOR turnover , *SOCIAL services , *INTERVIEWING , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *SOCIAL worker attitudes , *STRATEGIC planning , *WAGES , *INTERNET , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *EXPERIENCE , *LABOR market , *HEALTH care reform , *LONGITUDINAL method , *PEDIATRICS , *THEMATIC analysis , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL coding , *PUBLIC administration , *GROUNDED theory , *LABOR supply , *EMPLOYEES' workload - Abstract
In 2023, the UK Government published its long-awaited reform strategy for England's children's social care system. Whilst the strategy set out planned reforms for several aspects of the wider system, an area requiring particular 'priority' was the purported workforce instability seen within child protection social work. However, the strategy has subsequently faced criticism on the basis that the suggested reforms were not satisfactorily informed by the testimonies of practicing social workers. This paper draws from a mixed-method study to report on the lived experiences of a sample of 201 child protection social workers practicing across England, in the context of better understanding the factors which they believed were impacting on workforce stability within England's child protection system. Implications that emerge are the need for an increase in the monetary commitment offered by the UK Government (especially in the context of tackling high caseloads, and improving local authority pay scales to reduce the allure of agency work); a targeted emphasis on challenging local cultures preoccupied with evidencing compliance over time spent with children; and the Government taking a more assertive role in tackling the often-counterproductive commentary perpetuated by politicians and media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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9. The Psychological Impact of Sending Children Away to Boarding Schools in Britain: Is there Cause for Concern?
- Author
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James, Gregory
- Subjects
PSYCHOLOGICAL factors ,BOARDING schools ,SCHOOL boards ,COMMUNITIES ,PSYCHOLOGICAL literature - Abstract
This paper aims to consolidate existing literature on the psychological impact of sending children away to boarding schools in Britain. A scarcity of literature pertaining specifically to independent boarding schools leads the author to examine child developmental theory, peer victimization in the British Army, trauma within captivity and adaptive behaviours. In conclusion, it is clear from this research that more time and effort is needed to understand the psychological impact of sending children away from home to be schooled, socialized and parented institutionally. In particular, the ethos and traditions associated with British and colonial schools, and the way in which these things are preserved warrants further study as it appears to be a significant source of the attitude toward children in boarding schools. The psychoanalytic community may be best placed to understand, and make understood, the positive or negative impact on children attending boarding schools in Britain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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10. Using Technology to Seek the Vulnerable and Marginalized Child's Voice in Hospital: Co-working with a 'Child Research Advisory Group' (CRAG).
- Author
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Clarke, Sonya
- Subjects
HOSPITALS ,QUALITATIVE research ,CONTENT mining ,AT-risk people ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,CHILD welfare ,TECHNOLOGY ,SCHOOL children ,CHILDREN - Abstract
This paper illustrates the development, value and outcome of co-working with a 'child research advisory group' (CRAG) within healthcare research. The UK qualitative study completed as part of a Doctorate in Education (EdD) primarily explored the child's experience of hospital in Northern Ireland from the perspective of the child (and children's nurse). Essentially the role of the CRAG was to co-develop simple research questions and a data collection tool which was child centered, rather than adult centered – the research tool would be used with the main study child participants aged six to 12 years old in 2017. Five primary school children, with experience of hospital from year six and seven agreed to act as a CRAG in 2016. The outcome being an innovative data collection tool which is an App featuring the choice of two talking cartoon characters who asked the co-designed research questions via an iPad. The characters are Sprinkle Cupcake and Ronaldo Football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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11. 'Wishes and feelings': Misunderstandings and missed opportunities for participation in child protection proceedings.
- Author
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Dillon, Jo
- Subjects
SOCIAL participation ,FOCUS groups ,RESEARCH methodology ,SOCIAL workers ,CHILD behavior ,INTERVIEWING ,QUALITATIVE research ,CHILD welfare ,COMMUNICATION ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,SOCIAL services ,DATA analysis software ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PARENTS - Abstract
The gathering of 'wishes and feelings' in UK child protection proceedings (s.53 Children Act 2004) should highlight the child's opinion of social work intervention and services provided. However, with no statutory social work guidance on participation currently in place, children frequently miss opportunities to be involved in their own child protection planning. This paper is drawn from a 3‐year study into participation in child protection social work. It includes findings from qualitative interviews, and one focus group, with social workers, parents, children and participation workers, from three local authorities in the United Kingdom. The findings revealed some examples of significant gaps in service provision, particularly from the perspective and understanding of the child. The skewed translation of wishes and feelings legislation, along with its subsequent (and often inadequate) application to practice, prevents children from understanding and responding to social work intervention and can lead to idiosyncratic practice. This paper provides recommendations for a practical response to practitioner dilemmas regarding wishes and feelings and bridges the gap between research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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12. Evidence‐supported interventions for children in care: Does Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) fit within the UK context?
- Subjects
CHILD welfare ,FOSTER children ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,HUMAN services programs ,JUVENILE delinquency ,FOSTER home care - Abstract
Copyright of Journal of Family Therapy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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13. Children and families with no recourse to public funds: Learning from case reviews.
- Author
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Jolly, Andrew and Gupta, Anna
- Subjects
- *
CULTURE , *SOCIAL determinants of health , *HEALTH services accessibility , *CHILD abuse , *PSYCHOLOGICAL vulnerability , *LEGAL status of refugees , *FAMILIES , *SOCIAL justice , *EMIGRATION & immigration , *FAMILY health , *MENTAL health , *DOMESTIC violence , *LANGUAGE & languages , *COMMUNITY support , *SOCIAL security , *SOCIAL isolation , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *EXPERIENCE , *PUBLIC housing , *CHILD welfare , *CHILDREN'S health , *HOMELESSNESS , *POVERTY , *SOCIAL attitudes , *CHILD mortality , *SOCIAL case work - Abstract
This paper reviews 26 reports into deaths and serious abuse of children in families who were subject to the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) rule. Our analysis illustrates vulnerabilities caused by exclusionary policies, exacerbating social deprivation and isolation experienced by the children and families and making it more difficult for professionals to respond in ways which safeguarded children's welfare. Drawing upon a social model for protecting children that requires recognition of the social determinants of harm and the economic, social and cultural barriers faced by families, we examine the experiences of children and families with NRPF who were the subject of a serious case review, and the responses of agencies responsible for safeguarding child welfare. We conclude with recommendations for practices aimed at promoting the rights and well‐being of children and families subject to NRPF rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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14. A safe place of one's own? Exploring practice and policy dilemmas in child welfare practice with families waiting for adequate and secure housing.
- Author
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Sen, Robin, Smeeton, Joe, and Thoburn, June
- Subjects
PUBLIC housing -- Law & legislation ,HOMELESSNESS laws ,OCCUPATIONAL roles ,SOCIAL support ,CHARITY ,FAMILIES ,CHILD behavior ,SURVEYS ,CHILD welfare ,GOVERNMENT policy ,SOCIAL worker attitudes ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,HOUSING ,SOCIAL skills ,SOCIAL case work ,FOSTER home care ,CHILDREN - Abstract
As in many European states, a shortage of housing in England has resulted in some families who are 'waiting for' adequate and secure housing in England while also having the 'weight of' their children being placed outside their care hanging over them. This paper reports on the development of a practice guidance document that included an online survey with 38 children's social services practitioners in England regarding their practice experiences of responding to family homelessness. Findings suggest the complexity of the issue of family homelessness and implicitly highlight its neglect within contemporary research and policy in the UK. Homeless families are caught between the constraints of housing shortages and the complexity of the needs underpinning their homelessness. Despite these constraints, social work practice has an important role to play in providing, or facilitating families' pathway to, housing advocacy and advice. Most importantly of all, social work practice can maximise families' access to statutory family support provision so that families can be helped to remain together wherever this is safely possible. Suggestions for practice, policy, and research development are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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15. Speak out, stay safe: Including children with special educational needs and disabilities in an evaluation of an abuse prevention programme.
- Author
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Kelly, Berni, Farrelly, Nicola, Batool, Farwa, Kurdi, Zain, and Stanley, Nicky
- Subjects
- *
PREVENTION of child abuse , *SAFETY , *SPECIAL education , *PILOT projects , *EVALUATION of human services programs , *CHILDREN with disabilities , *HELP-seeking behavior , *INTERVIEWING , *MAINSTREAMING in special education , *QUALITATIVE research , *CHILD welfare , *TEACHERS , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *INFORMATION needs , *PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation , *DATA analysis software , *THEMATIC analysis , *COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
This paper reports on the evaluation of an integrated violence and abuse prevention programme for children aged 5–11, focusing on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS) programme was delivered in mainstream primary schools across the UK. A small‐scale study of children with SEND nested within the larger evaluation captured their understandings of abuse and harm and readiness to seek help. A specially adapted survey was completed by 76 children with SEND (aged 6–7 and 9–10) at baseline (31 intervention; 45 comparison schools), 12 in intervention schools post‐programme and 37 (four intervention; 33 comparison schools) six months post‐baseline. Qualitative data was captured through 16 teacher interviews. Whilst this nested study was compromised by the COVID‐19 pandemic, it provides important evidence that with appropriate adaptations, a survey approach to investigating the learning of children with SEND can be effective. Findings indicate that awareness of abuse and help seeking strategies may improve over time, whilst interview data suggests that adapting the programme to be inclusive of those children may have a better effect. However, a much larger sample of children with SEND is required to confidently measure the effects of such programmes for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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16. Illicit drug use and fertility treatment: should we be developing a standard operating procedure?
- Author
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Bulmer, Chris and Balen, Adam
- Subjects
SUBSTANCE abuse treatment ,RISK factors in infertility ,NARCOTICS ,CANNABIS (Genus) ,PSYCHIATRIC drugs ,PSYCHOLOGY of drug abusers ,PRENATAL exposure delayed effects ,PARENTING ,DRUG use testing ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,CHILD welfare ,DRUGS of abuse ,REPRODUCTIVE health - Abstract
At present, there are no reliable data to identify the number of patients who present for infertility investigations and who are current users of illicit drugs. Therefore, the full extent of this problem remains hidden. Estimates can be made on the basis of population use, although this lacks rigour. The use of illicit drugs can impact on infertility investigations, treatment, welfare of the child and parenting. Furthermore, it can result in serious legal sanctions, including imprisonment. There does not appear to be consistent practice across HFEA licenced clinics in either requiring: (i) the addicted patient to have a specified drug-free period before commencing investigations; or (ii) all patients to be routinely screened. As well as describing the extent of illicit drug use in the UK population, and therefore in those who present in clinic, this paper will discuss screening and encourages debate across clinics regarding a mandatory drug-free period and the development of an appropriate Standard Operating Procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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17. Evaluating the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the 'strengthening families, strengthening communities' group-based parenting programme: study protocol and initial insights.
- Author
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Lodder, Annemarie, Mehay, Anita, Pavlickova, Hana, Hoare, Zoe, Box, Leandra, Butt, Jabeer, Weaver, Tim, Crawford, Mike J., Clutterbuck, Donna, Westbrook, Nicola, Manning, Karlet, Karlsen, Saffron, Morris, Steve, Brand, Andrew, Ramchandani, Paul, Kelly, Yvonne, Heilmann, Anja, and Watt, Richard G.
- Subjects
PARENTING ,FAMILY relations ,CHILD welfare ,FAMILIES ,DISCRIMINATION in medical care ,MEDICAL care of minorities ,RESEARCH ,MINORITIES ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,EVALUATION research ,COMPARATIVE studies ,RANDOMIZED controlled trials ,QUALITY of life ,COST effectiveness ,RESEARCH funding ,ETHNIC groups ,PARENTS - Abstract
Background: Up to 20% of UK children experience socio-emotional difficulties which can have serious implications for themselves, their families and society. Stark socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in children's well-being exist. Supporting parents to develop effective parenting skills is an important preventive strategy in reducing inequalities. Parenting interventions have been developed, which aim to reduce the severity and impact of these difficulties. However, most parenting interventions in the UK focus on early childhood (0-10 years) and often fail to engage families from ethnic minority groups and those living in poverty. Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) is a parenting programme designed by the Race Equality Foundation, which aims to address this gap. Evidence from preliminary studies is encouraging, but no randomised controlled trials have been undertaken so far.Methods/design: The TOGETHER study is a multi-centre, waiting list controlled, randomised trial, which aims to test the effectiveness of SFSC in families with children aged 3-18 across seven urban areas in England with ethnically and socially diverse populations. The primary outcome is parental mental well-being (assessed by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale). Secondary outcomes include child socio-emotional well-being, parenting practices, family relationships, self-efficacy, quality of life, and community engagement. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, post intervention, three- and six-months post intervention. Cost effectiveness will be estimated using a cost-utility analysis and cost-consequences analysis. The study is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprised a 6-month internal pilot to determine the feasibility of the trial. A set of progression criteria were developed to determine whether the stage 2 main trial should proceed. An embedded process evaluation will assess the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention.Discussion: In this paper we provide details of the study protocol for this trial. We also describe challenges to implementing the protocol and how these were addressed. Once completed, if beneficial effects on both parental and child outcomes are found, the impact, both immediate and longer term, are potentially significant. As the intervention focuses on supporting families living in poverty and those from minority ethnic communities, the intervention should also ultimately have a beneficial impact on reducing health inequalities.Trial Registration: Prospectively registered Randomised Controlled Trial ISRCTN15194500 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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18. An inter-disciplinary perspective on evaluation of innovation to support care leavers' transition.
- Author
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Lynch, Amy, Alderson, Hayley, Kerridge, Gary, Johnson, Rebecca, McGovern, Ruth, Newlands, Fiona, Smart, Deborah, Harrop, Carrie, and Currie, Graeme
- Subjects
EVALUATION of medical care ,CHILD welfare ,PROFESSIONAL practice ,SOCIAL support ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,PUBLIC health ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,RESIDENTIAL care ,HEALTH care teams ,DECISION making ,RESEARCH funding ,LITERATURE reviews ,SOCIAL services ,MANAGEMENT ,FOSTER home care ,DIFFUSION of innovations - Abstract
Purpose: Young people who are looked after by the state face challenges as they make the transition from care to adulthood, with variation in support available. In the past decade, funding has been directed towards organisations to pilot innovations to support transition, with accompanying evaluations often conducted with a single disciplinary focus, in a context of short timescales and small budgets. Recognising the value and weight of the challenge involved in evaluation of innovations that aim to support the transitions of young people leaving care, this paper aims to provide a review of evaluation approaches and suggestions regarding how these might be developed. Design/methodology/approach: As part of a wider research programme to improve understanding of the innovation process for young people leaving care, the authors conducted a scoping review of grey literature (publications which are not peer reviewed) focusing on evaluation of innovations in the UK over the past 10 years. The authors critiqued the evaluation approaches in each of the 22 reports they identified with an inter-disciplinary perspective, representing social care, public health and organisation science. Findings: The authors identified challenges and opportunities for the development of evaluation approaches in three areas. Firstly, informed by social care, the authors suggest increased priority should be granted to participatory approaches to evaluation, within which involvement of young people leaving care should be central. Secondly, drawing on public health, there is potential for developing a common outcomes' framework, including methods of data collection, analysis and reporting, which aid comparative analysis. Thirdly, application of theoretical frameworks from organisation science regarding the process of innovation can drive transferable lessons from local innovations to aid its spread. Originality/value: By adopting the unique perspective of their multiple positions, the authors' goal is to contribute to the development of evaluation approaches. Further, the authors hope to help identify innovations that work, enhance their spread, leverage resources and influence policy to support care leavers in their transitions to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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19. Social Work Students Sharing Practice Learning Experiences: Critical Reflection as Process and Method.
- Author
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Walker, Jane and Gant, Valerie
- Subjects
PROFESSIONAL practice ,OCCUPATIONAL achievement ,SCHOOL environment ,FOCUS groups ,PROFESSIONS ,COUNSELING ,SOCIAL support ,SOCIAL workers ,RESEARCH methodology ,LEARNING strategies ,QUALITATIVE research ,INTERNSHIP programs ,ABILITY ,TRAINING ,STUDENTS ,CHILD welfare ,SOCIAL services ,STUDENT attitudes ,JUDGMENT sampling ,THEMATIC analysis ,REFLECTION (Philosophy) ,POWER (Social sciences) ,PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience - Abstract
This paper offers a commentary regarding the centrality of critical reflection in social work before discussing a research project drawing on a sample of ten social work students as they approached the end of their social work training in one English university. The original intention of the research was to focus solely on students' perceptions of critical reflection, but when using a more reflexive approach, we identified that participants utilised the focus groups as an opportunity to discuss their practice learning experiences per se before considering and discussing critical reflection. Most students were placed in child protection social work teams and discussed how they felt unprepared for such a fast-paced and stressful environment. Participants felt that the expectations some practitioners had of students were unrealistic, and not always commensurate with the Professional Capabilities Framework. Students highlighted the use of practice scenarios in developing their knowledge and skills particularly when considering their application of critical reflection. This study highlights the significance of adequate preparation for practice and argues for a more focussed agenda for future research exploring the culture of learning, including those factors that inhibit students sharing their concerns as well as the training needs of educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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20. Theory, research and practice in child welfare: The current state of the art in social work.
- Author
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Frost, Nick and Dolan, Pat
- Subjects
PROFESSIONAL practice ,HEALTH policy ,LABELING theory ,SOCIAL support ,SOCIAL workers ,MEDICAL personnel ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,PATIENTS' families ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,SOCIAL work research ,CHILD welfare ,SOCIAL services ,PATIENT-professional relations ,PROFESSIONALISM ,FAMILY relations ,PARENT-child relationships ,SOCIAL case work ,REFLECTION (Philosophy) - Abstract
This paper aims to utilize social theory to inform relationship-based social work practice with children, young people and families. We see 'direct relationship-based working' drawing on theory and evidence as best placed to take forward high quality, humanistic social work practice. We outline the problems with policy and practice development led by the latest high profile 'scandal' or by the overemphasis on experimental design and systematic reviews. This issue was highlighted during a recent debate about appropriate methodologies for exploring Family Group Conferences: the debate is explored as illustrative of our concerns. A flexible model is proposed, which draws on eclectic sources of evidence, social theory and professional knowledge. We propose some principles for a reflective, humanistic and responsive form of social work professionalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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21. Child protection and family support: Experiences in a seaside resort.
- Author
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El-Hoss, Thomas, Thomas, Felicity, Gradinger, Felix, and Hughes, Ms Susanne
- Subjects
FAMILY support ,SEASIDE resorts ,CHILD welfare ,HOUSING stability ,CHILD support - Abstract
• Seaside resorts face socio-economic challenges which can exacerbate family crises. • Inequalities in seaside resorts can complicate delivery of family support services. • Innovative embedded research approach within Children's Social Care. • Preventative Early Help strategies need to be attuned to differing care ecologies. Effective Early Help services are key to halting rising rates of children in care in the UK. Yet despite family support and child welfare interventions being unequally distributed across the country, the role of 'place' has received limited attention in the children's social care arena. This paper examines the connections between coastal challenges, Early Help and child welfare interventions, drawing on embedded research undertaken within a Local Authority on England's coast with elevated levels of children in care. We focus on families' experiences raising children in a seaside resort area as well as professionals' perspectives on the place-based challenges faced delivering effective and accessible Early Help support. The study generated data from ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with local parents/carers (n = 57), service managers and frontline professionals (n = 14), and the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector (n = 22). The findings highlight how the socio-economic challenges associated with many seaside resort areas, including housing pressures, a seasonal and low-wage economy, and the transience of the population, present difficulties for parents/carers in raising and supporting their children. For professionals delivering Early Help, high levels of housing instability, elevated inward migration, resource constraints and challenges around recruitment and retention presented challenges to delivering services. This paper recommends increased emphasis in regulation and resourcing around family support that considers the spatial and geographic dynamics that influence the incidence, structuring, and experiences of child and family welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. FII and Perplexing Presentations: What is the Evidence Base for and against Current Guidelines, and What are the Implications for Social Services?
- Author
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Gullon-Scott, Fiona and Long, Cathie
- Subjects
MUNCHAUSEN syndrome by proxy ,CHILD abuse ,CHILD development ,MENTAL health ,CHILDREN'S accident prevention ,RISK assessment ,AUTISM ,CHILD welfare ,SOCIAL services ,CLASSIFICATION of mental disorders ,SENSITIVITY & specificity (Statistics) ,CHILD development deviations - Abstract
Fabricated or induced illness (FII) and perplexing presentations (PPs) are the terms used by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK. FII is presented as if synonymous with Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare presentation which is now known in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition as factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIoA). However, FII is not a diagnosis, and the definition is far broader than FDIoA. RCPCH admit that there is a limited evidence base for the prevalence, specificity or sensitivity of FII and the associated 'alerting signs', and yet local authorities across the UK have Child Protection Policies developed directly from the RCPCH guidelines. An increasing number of families of children with neurodevelopmental presentations (such as autism), or presentations of complex or less well-known conditions such as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, are finding themselves being investigated for FII by Social Services, and consequently labelled as potential 'perpetrators' of child abuse, on the basis of FII guidelines. The present article discusses the issues relating to FII and PP, how current guidelines are creating implicit and explicit bias against certain kinds of families and the implications for Social Services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Family group conferencing for children and families: Evaluation of implementation, context and effectiveness (Family VOICE). Study protocol.
- Author
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Scourfield, Jonathan, Evans, Rhiannon, Pallmann, Philip, Petrou, Stavros, Robling, Michael, Au, Kar-Man, Jones-Williams, Delyth, Lugg-Widger, Fiona, Meindl, Melissa, Schroeder, Elizabeth-Ann, Wood, Sophie, and Wilkins, David
- Subjects
RESEARCH protocols ,PRAGMATICS ,CHILD welfare ,SOCIAL background ,FAMILIES ,SOCIAL workers - Abstract
Background: Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare bring immediate and wider family members together to decide on the best way to meet a child's needs. Unlike professionally led meetings, the aim is for decisions to be made by or with family members. Qualitative and mixed-method research with FGC participants tends to show positive experiences: most participants feel their voices are heard; FGCs facilitate family-driven solutions and closer relationships—within families and with social workers. Although there is existing literature on FGCs, there is a paucity of robust comparative UK evaluations, i.e., randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies. Comparative studies internationally have focused on a narrow range of outcomes, not recognised the importance of context, and paid little attention to the quality of delivery. Some qualitative studies have considered process and context but there is scant measurement of these. The aims of this study are, firstly, to establish how FGCs improve outcomes for families and what factors vary their quality, and, secondly, to assess longer-term outcomes in terms of service use and associated costs. Methods: Given the importance of process and context, evaluation informed by realist and complex systems approaches is needed. This multi-method evaluation includes a survey of FGC services in all UK local authorities (n = 212) to map service provision; co-design of programme theory and evaluation measures with family members who have experienced an FGC (n = 16–24) and practitioners (n = 16–24) in two sites; a prospective single-arm study of FGC variability and outcomes after six months; and comparison of service use and costs in FGC participants (n≥300 families) and a control group (n≥1000) after two years using a quasi-experiment. Discussion: This is a pragmatic evaluation of an existing intervention, to identify what mechanisms and contexts influence effective process and longer-term outcomes. The study is registered with Research Registry (ref. 7432). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
24. 'The worst day of my life': Foster carers' experiences of allegations.
- Author
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Roberts, Louisa M, Rees, Alyson, Elliott, Daisy, and Wood, Sophie
- Subjects
CHILD abuse laws ,CHILD welfare ,MEDICAL protocols ,SECONDARY analysis ,QUALITATIVE research ,SOCIAL services ,FOSTER parents ,FOSTER home care ,REFLECTION (Philosophy) ,EMOTIONS ,QUANTITATIVE research ,THEMATIC analysis ,FINANCIAL management ,COMMUNICATION ,RESEARCH methodology ,SOCIAL support ,NEEDS assessment ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors - Abstract
Appropriate allegation investigations within social care are paramount to protect children. However, many allegations are unsubstantiated (Biehal et al., 2014) and result in stress and anxiety for fostering families (Adams, Hassett and Lumsden, 2018), financial uncertainty (Boffey, Stanton and Thomas, 2019), unplanned endings and foster carers leaving their role (Adams, Hassett and Lumsden, 2018). There is little research into the prevalence, nature and outcomes of allegations against foster carers. This UK-based study uses The Fostering Network's State of the Nation's Foster Care (SOTN) 2021 survey and analyses responses from 3,352 UK foster carers and 99 fostering service staff. Qualitative findings reflect six themes: (1) emotional impacts, (2) financial implications, (3) independent support, (4) social services involvement, (5) understanding allegations, and (6) children being removed or foster carers leaving their role. Quantitative findings show only 25% of those experiencing an allegation believed they were sufficiently communicated with, only 20% believed specified timescales were adhered to, 57% did not receive independent support, and 36% said no support was offered to children in their home. Poor information-sharing and lack of support were found to have exacerbated the stress experienced. Plain Language Summary: When someone accuses a foster carer of being unsuitable to care for children or of harming a child, it is crucial to investigate these claims thoroughly. These investigations play a vital role in keeping children in foster care safe from harm. Listening to the concerns of children and young people and taking their opinions seriously can also contribute to their improved self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing. Research shows that many of the allegations made against foster carers are unsubstantiated, meaning there is not enough evidence to decide if the event occurred or not. Regardless of the outcome, these investigations often have negative side effects for foster carers and their families including stress, anxiety and financial uncertainty. In addition, allegation investigations can lead to children and young people's placements ending and foster carers stopping fostering. The Fostering Network's State of the Nation's Foster Care (SOTN) 2021 survey in the UK asked foster carers and fostering services about their experiences of allegations. This study looked at the responses to the survey, which found that allegation investigations were often very difficult and emotional experiences for foster carers and their families and sometimes caused financial difficulty. There seemed to be a lack of independent support, and foster carers often felt unsupported by social services. Foster carers' understanding of allegation processes was sometimes unclear, and it seemed that allegations could lead to children being abruptly removed from their placements as well as foster carers ending their fostering role. The strengths and limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions are made to improve how foster carers are supported through allegation investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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25. Why does systemic supervision support practitioners' practice more effectively with children and families?
- Author
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Bostock, Lisa, Patrizio, Louis, Godfrey, Tessa, and Forrester, Donald
- Subjects
- *
PROFESSIONAL practice , *INTERVIEWING , *MEDICAL care , *RISK assessment , *CHILD health services , *CHILD welfare , *HEALTH care teams , *SOCIAL services , *SUPERVISION of employees , *FAMILY relations , *GROUP process - Abstract
• Reports perspectives of 49 frontline staff from five child protective services. • Systemic supervision used as a "rehearsal space" to plan family conversations. • Family systems understood via lens of hypothesising, circularity and curiosity. • Exploring family perspectives enhanced identification of risks to children. • Systemically-trained clinicians provided supportive practice leadership. The importance of supervision for social work practice is widely accepted. This paper focuses on one type of supervision: systemic group supervision or "systemic supervision". Systemic social work practice is generally a group-based, multi-disciplinary model of service delivery that aims to work therapeutically with the whole family. Central to this model is the use of systemically-informed group supervision. This has been shown to impact positively on the quality of direct practice with families, but what is it about this type of supervision that supports frontline practitioners to practice more skillfully? This paper is based on interviews with 49 frontline staff across five children's services departments in the UK. It identifies the key features of systemic supervision and explores why workers think that developing shared understandings of risk to children supports them to intervene more effectively with families in contact with children's services. These findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the practice shaping function of supervision within child and family social work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. At the Edge of Care: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Parent and Practitioner Views and Experiences of Support for Parents with Mental Health Needs and Children's Social Service Involvement.
- Author
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Bacon, Georgia, Sweeney, Angela, Batchelor, Rachel, Grant, Claire, Mantovani, Nadia, Peter, Sarah, Sin, Jacqueline, and Lever Taylor, Billie
- Subjects
PARENT attitudes ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,CINAHL database ,SOCIAL support ,HEALTH services accessibility ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,ATTITUDES of medical personnel ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,HOLISTIC medicine ,CHILD welfare ,GOVERNMENT policy ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL services ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,THEMATIC analysis ,MEDLINE ,MENTAL health services - Abstract
A range of professionals and services are often involved in supporting parents with mental health needs where there are child protection concerns. However, they do not always meet the needs of this population who tend to experience inadequate support and mistrust of services. This review aimed to synthesize parent and practitioner experiences of support for parents with both mental health needs and children's social services involvement. We performed electronic searches of the following databases: PsycINFO, CINAHL, HMIC, MEDLINE, Embase, Social Policy and Practice, Social Services Abstracts, Social Science Citation Index, OpenGrey, Social Care Online, and ProQuest. Following searching and screening, 41 studies were identified including 359 parents and 1370 practitioners. We worked with a Lived Experience Advisory Group to develop the following themes: (1) a downward spiral of service intervention; (2) working with parents, not against them; (3) support wanted versus support provided; and (4) constrained by service rigidity. We found that families were often parenting amidst trauma and adversity. However, service involvement could trigger a "downward spiral" of stressful processes over which parents felt they lacked control. Instead of improving their situations, support sometimes added to families' difficulties, worsening parents' mental health and making them feel marginalised, criticised, and retraumatised. There were, however, also examples of positive practice, where practitioners and parents developed trusting, open, and mutually respectful relationships. Practitioners often felt that they were limited in their ability to offer collaborative, holistic care because services were fragmented, underfunded, crisis driven, and inflexible. Difficulties mentioned most often by parents, such as financial issues, tended not to be a focus of available interventions. We conclude that the key issues identified must be targeted to improve support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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27. Looked after children and their carers—What has systemic work to offer?
- Author
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Lobatto, Wendy and Messent, Philip
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CHILD welfare ,SERIAL publications ,MENTAL health ,FAMILY health ,FOSTER home care ,FAMILY services - Abstract
An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss the various topics within the issue, including the mental and relational health interventions for children in family-based out-of-home care, children's mental health, and the mental health and wellbeing services for looked after children.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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28. Child protection and safeguarding in initial teacher education: A systematic scoping review.
- Author
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Walsh, Kerryann, Ey, Lesley-anne, Hand, Kirstine, Smith, Rhiannon, Howard, Sarah, Fenton, Angela, Whiteford, Chrystal, Brown, Meegan, Pinnock, Rachel, and Rodier, Lauren
- Subjects
- *
TEACHER education , *PROFESSIONS , *ACCREDITATION , *TEACHING methods , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *COLLEGE teacher attitudes , *CHILDREN'S accident prevention , *LABOR supply , *CHILD welfare , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *LITERATURE reviews , *THEMATIC analysis , *STUDENT attitudes , *ADULT education workshops , *MEDICAL coding , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes - Abstract
• Preparing teachers for child protection and safeguarding must begin in initial teacher education. • We included 31 studies in a systematic scoping review. • In future, course developers should draw from models of rigorously evaluated courses. • Underpinning courses with trauma-informed approaches is strongly indicated. To improve educational outcomes for maltreated children, there is an urgent need to strengthen the capacity of the education workforce to respond appropriately to their needs. We conducted a systematic scoping review to synthesize current evidence about child protection and safeguarding in initial (pre-registration) teacher education with the aim of developing a knowledge base, and understanding what we — as researchers, teacher educators, and professional accreditation bodies — can and should be doing better. Thirty-one studies (reported in 38 papers) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were coded inductively against standardised criteria and critically appraised. Coding of study aims yielded three themes forming a descriptive map of research in the field: (i) studies investigating student teachers' perceptions of their preparedness to deal with child protection and safeguarding (n = 15); (ii) studies investigating preparation for child protection and safeguarding in initial teacher education courses (n = 14); and (iii) studies investigating student teachers' preferences for future training (n = 2). We identified key contents or topics covered, teaching methods and delivery modes, time allocations, and personnel involved in course delivery. Findings show that child protection and safeguarding are seldom investigated in initial teacher education, averaging only one published study per year over a 32-year search period with most studies having been conducted in Australia and the UK. Time allocated to child protection and safeguarding in initial teacher education courses varied from 1 to 16 h. Content covered was limited to several core topics with primacy given to child maltreatment subtypes, indicators, and reporting duties. Delivery methods were dominated by lectures, workshops, and discussions. Few studies had investigated the efficacy of innovative and interactive teaching strategies or online learning. We conclude that child protection and safeguarding in initial teacher education may be improved by leveraging off existing well-designed, rigorously evaluated programs, which have been found to be feasibly delivered and acceptable to future professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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29. A critical analysis of the Finnish Baby Box's journey into the liberal welfare state: Implications for progressive public policymaking.
- Author
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Blair-Hamilton, Alexis and Raphael, Dennis
- Subjects
- *
SUDDEN infant death syndrome prevention , *MASS media , *PRACTICAL politics , *BATHS , *CHILD welfare , *GOVERNMENT policy , *DIAPERS , *INFANTS' supplies , *POLICY sciences , *CLOTHING & dress - Abstract
• The Finnish Baby Box provides parents of newborns with a wide range of infant clothing and other basics. • The cardboard box in which the infant can sleep was emphasized by the media and commercial companies outside Finland. • The box preventing SIDS was advanced by private companies and the media. • This was less the case in Wales and Scotland, a result of their being governed by authorities with a "left" orientation. For over 80 years the Finnish state has provided expectant mothers with a cardboard box containing an extensive collection of clothing, bathing products for the baby, nappies, bedding and a small mattress. Numerous jurisdictions have implemented it in some form. We investigated through a critical case study methodology whether its translation into the liberal welfare states of Canada, UK, and USA experienced message distortion (the box as a means of preventing SIDS), commercialization, watering down of content; and separation from the complex of Finnish welfare state policies that support families with children. We find that only Scotland and Wales recognized the decommodification and equity roles played by the baby box. This study identified numerous barriers to building progressive public policy in Canada, UK, and USA: the structures and processes of the liberal welfare state, commercial interests that skew public policymaking and media logic that limits news reporting to the concrete and simple, eschewing complex analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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30. Mental health and ACEs for adults in child protection and care proceedings: Audit of psychology service in Southeast England.
- Author
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Ferrell, Amanda, Clark, Jessica, Eley, David, and Valon-Szots, Leslie
- Subjects
MENTAL health ,CHILD welfare ,GENERALIZED anxiety disorder ,ADVERSE childhood experiences ,CHILD care - Abstract
Limited research has been conducted about the prevalence and impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mental health difficulties on those with children's services involvement in the UK. Audit data were taken from 111 cognitive and psychological assessment reports in adults aged 18 to 55 within SWIFT specialist family service in Southeast England between May 2019 and April 2021. Descriptive analyses were conducted to show ACE type and prevalence, gender, and mental health (depression and anxiety levels) using self-report and measures such as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Our cohort displayed higher levels of difficulties than the general population, i.e. experiencing multiple ACEs (53.2 per cent). The female participants in our cohort expressed a higher number of ACEs and reported greater symptoms levels of depression than males. Ensuring the provision of trauma-informed therapeutic intervention may aid these individuals with making and sustaining meaningful change and escaping the intergenerational trauma cycle. Future research exploring causation and identifying potential therapeutic provisions with this population is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Child First and the end of 'bifurcation' in youth justice?
- Author
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Case, Stephen and Smith, Roger
- Subjects
THOUGHT & thinking ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,SOCIAL justice ,GROUP identity ,CRIME ,CHILD welfare ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,JUVENILE delinquency ,JUVENILE offenders ,SOCIAL psychology - Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to critically evaluate the trajectory of the "Child First" guiding principle for youth justice in England and Wales, which challenges adult-centric constructions of children (when they offend) as "threatening" and asserts a range of theoretical and principled assumptions about the nature of childhood and children's evolving capacity. Design/methodology/approach: Focussing on how Child First seeks to transcend the socio-historically bifurcated (polarised/dichotomised) thinking and models/strategies/frameworks of youth justice, this study examines the extent and nature of this binary thinking and its historical and contemporary influence on responses to children's offending, latterly manifested as more hybridised (yet still discernibly bifurcated) approaches. Findings: Analyses identified an historical and contemporary influence on bifurcated responses to offending by children in the United Kingdom/England and Wales, subsequently manifested as more hybridised (yet still discernibly bifurcated) approaches. Analyses also identified a contemporary, progressive challenge to bifurcated youth justice thinking, policy and practice through the "Child First" guiding principle. Originality/value: By tracing the trajectory of Child First as an explicit, progressive challenge to previous youth justice thinking and formal "approaches", to the best of the authors' knowledge, they are the first to question whether, in taking this approach, Child First represents a clean break with the past, or is just the latest in a series of strategic realignments in youth justice seeking to resolve inherent tensions between competing constructions of children and their behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Towards a Synthesised Directional Map of the Stages of Innovation in Children's Social Care.
- Author
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Lefevre, Michelle, Hampson, Martha, and Goldsmith, Carlie
- Subjects
INVESTMENTS ,COMPUTER software ,CHARITIES ,MEDICAL care ,PUBLIC administration ,PUBLIC sector ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,CHILD welfare ,RESEARCH funding ,PUBLIC welfare ,THEMATIC analysis ,ENDOWMENTS ,SOCIAL case work ,HEALTH planning ,GREY literature ,CHILDREN - Abstract
There has been substantial investment by governments and charities in the UK in the development, diffusion and evaluation of innovative practice models and systems to safeguard and support vulnerable children, young people and families. However, understandings of the processes of innovation within the sector are still at a relatively early stage—for example, in relation to what might be expected or planned for at each stage of an innovation journey. As a result, best use may not always be made of opportunities to address deficiencies in provision. To inform this knowledge gap, the literature was reviewed regarding innovation processes and trajectories within children's social care (statutory and voluntary settings) and within the field of social innovation more widely. Ten modellings of the stages of innovation were identified and synthesised into a directional map of six stages that might be commonly expected: mobilising, designing, developing, integrating, growing and system change. This trajectory framework poses key questions for innovators to consider at each stage to inform planning and determine if, when and how an innovation should progress further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Children's care: family centred but child focused.
- Author
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Purssell, Edward and Sagoo, Rohit
- Subjects
HUMAN rights ,CHILD care ,COVID-19 vaccines ,FAMILY-centered care ,NATIONAL health services ,HUMAN services programs ,PEDIATRIC nursing ,DECISION making ,CHILD welfare ,NURSING ethics - Abstract
Family-centred care is a widely used but loosely defined model of care often used in children's nursing. Although this allows for flexibility in its application, it also means that nurses can have very different ideas about its meaning. Recent decisions about the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children under the age of 16 years in the UK and other countries have further confused this, as it has brought into question the relative position of children and their families in the decision-making process. Over time, the legislative and social positions of children have changed. Children are increasingly seen as being separate but related to their family, with an emphasis on their own human, legal, and ethical rights, including allowing children to choose the type of support they require for their care to reduce any undue stress. This article puts these into a current and contextual framework to better help nurses understand the historical as well as the contemporary reasons for the status of family-centred care today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Depathologising diversity: Trans children and families' experiences of pathologisation in the UK.
- Author
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Horton, Cal
- Subjects
HUMAN rights ,SOCIAL justice ,FAMILY attitudes ,GENDER identity ,QUALITATIVE research ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,CHILD welfare ,TRANSGENDER people ,CHILDREN - Abstract
In January 2022 the World Health Organization removed transgender identities from categorisation as a mental illness, marking a significant global shift from the pathologisation of gender diversity. However, a legacy of pathologisation of trans identities continues to impact trans lives, particularly on trans children. Informed by qualitative data from 30 families with trans children, this article examines the continued impacts of pathologisation on trans children and families in the UK, exploring how pathologisation manifests at individual, institutional and societal levels. The article advocates for trans depathologisation as a critical priority for child rights and social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. The Development of Young Peoples' Internalising and Externalising Difficulties Over the First Three-Years in the Public Care System.
- Author
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Hiller, Rachel M, Fraser, Abigail, Denne, Megan, Bauer, Andreas, and Halligan, Sarah L
- Subjects
TIME ,MENTAL health ,BEHAVIOR disorders in children ,BEHAVIOR disorders ,ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder ,CHILD welfare ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,AFFECTIVE disorders ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,FAMILY relations ,INSTITUTIONAL care of children ,SOCIAL disabilities ,PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors - Abstract
Although we know there are high rates of mental health difficulties amongst young people in out-of-home care (i.e. social welfare-involved children), there is limited evidence on the longitudinal development of these problems, particularly from when they enter the care system. Using the routinely collected carer-reported strengths and difficulties questionnaire, we explored internalising (emotional and peer) and externalising (conduct and hyperactivity) difficulties for 672 young people across their first 3 years in the UK care system (2–16 yrs, 51% boys, 76% Caucasian). In all cases stable profiles (resilient or chronic) were most common, while changing profiles (recovery or delayed) were less common. Findings showed that entry into the care system is not enough of an intervention to expect natural recovery from mental health difficulties. Number of placements and being separated from siblings were associated with greater difficulties. Implications for child welfare and mental health systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Faces of hunger: an intersectional approach to children's right to food in the United Kingdom.
- Author
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MORRIS, KATIE
- Subjects
RIGHT to food ,CHILDREN'S rights ,SCHOOL food ,CHILD welfare ,CHILD nutrition ,NEOLIBERALISM ,FOOD security - Abstract
This article explores the extent to which the right to food is currently enjoyed by children within the United Kingdom (UK) using image analysis of the food parcels received by children eligible for free school meals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It argues that child food poverty serves as an illustration of the failings of neoliberalism in the UK context, which had already been observed prior to the pandemic in relation to the current Universal Credit system. The article adopts an intersectional approach, connecting the increased risk of food insecurity experienced by Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) children from low‐income backgrounds to the broader notions of racial capitalism and food oppression. It concludes by offering proposals to target inequalities and improve the realization of the right to food for all children in the UK, which could be adopted by other states to enhance the protection of children's right to food around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Listening to children's voices in UK sports clubs: A Foucauldian analysis.
- Subjects
PREVENTION of child abuse ,PREVENTION of child sexual abuse ,PSYCHOLOGY of athletes ,ATHLETIC associations ,QUANTITATIVE research ,CHILDREN'S accident prevention ,QUALITATIVE research ,INTELLECT ,COMMUNICATION ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,DISCOURSE analysis ,CHILD welfare ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,PHYSICIAN practice patterns ,THEMATIC analysis ,CORPORATE culture ,CHILDREN ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Organisations funded by Sport England or UK Sport must work towards achieving standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport as set by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and encourage a culture of listening to children. The present research was commissioned by the NSPCC CPSU to understand the practices of UK sports clubs regarding this objective. An electronic questionnaire was distributed through the national governing bodies of sport working with the CPSU. Some 64 clubs/squads representing 6,000+ juniors (under 18 years) responded. Quantitative data were analysed using simple statistics and qualitative data were themed utilising Foucault's theory of power and following Braun and Clark's six‐phase guide. Discourse, hierarchical judgement and docility were considered with reference to formal management and cultural environments. Semantic and latent themes were explored. The themes identified were: expectation awareness, reframing voice and preserving discourse. Clubs recognise the value of listening to children. However, existing power relations valorise adult knowledge fields over the experiences of juniors. Technology could provide an effective solution as it is remote, potentially anonymous and culturally accessible. As power is a productive force, problematisation of organisational culture could centralise children's voices and limit/prevent abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Invisible children: The out-of-home care and education of babies and toddlers.
- Author
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Jackson, Sonia, Figueira-Bates, Cora, and Hollingworth, Katie
- Subjects
ADOPTION ,ADVERSE childhood experiences ,CHILD care ,DEPARTMENTS ,EMPLOYEE recruitment ,MENTAL health ,ATTACHMENT behavior ,BEHAVIOR disorders in children ,ACADEMIC achievement ,HOSPITAL personnel in-service training ,CHILD welfare ,AT-risk people ,FOSTER home care ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Many thousands of very young children pass through the UK care system every year. Understandably, social workers are reluctant to separate children from their parents, and legal protections designed to prevent the separation from becoming permanent lead to constant delay in making longer-term plans. The aim is that the children should either be returned to their birth families or placed for adoption, but this is not achieved in up to 50% of cases. Consequently, many infants and toddlers remain in foster care, intended to be temporary, for long periods. Yet we know little about their lives in care or who looks after them. Research on foster care and on early childhood education and care (ECEC) has developed on separate and unrelated lines, resulting in an extreme shortage of empirical evidence about the care and education of fostered children under school age. Lack of attention to this critical period of life fails to take account of advances in research both on early brain development and on the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences. Meanwhile, young children continue to be moved between short-term foster placements for administrative reasons, ignoring the undisputed importance of stable early attachments. The potential of foster care as a learning and therapeutic resource in the early years has also been largely overlooked. Better mental health and educational attainment for children in out-of-home care require a much stronger policy focus on their earliest experiences and developmental progress. This article argues that there is an urgent need for research-based information to guide policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. 'Social Workers Failed to Heed Warnings': A Text-Based Study of How a Profession is Portrayed in UK Newspapers.
- Author
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Leedham, Maria
- Subjects
COMPUTER software ,SOCIAL workers ,LINGUISTICS ,QUANTITATIVE research ,NEWSPAPERS ,CHILD welfare ,PROFESSIONAL competence ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL services ,STATISTICAL sampling - Abstract
Previous research has indicated that social workers are portrayed negatively in the UK press, particularly in child protection cases. But what is the nature of this negativity? And are social workers also mentioned in more positive contexts? To explore these questions, a collection of three months of newspaper articles was compiled (early May to early August 2019), using the seed term 'social worker(s)'. Almost 1,000 occurrences were located and categorised as 'positive' (6 per cent of instances), 'negative' (25 per cent) or 'neutral' (69 per cent). Further classification of negative instances indicates these concern social workers' perceived failure to act rather than perceived over-zealous behaviour (ratio 5:2). Findings also suggest that the press tend to hold social workers to a higher moral standard in their everyday lives than is the case for other members of society. Understanding how social workers are portrayed in the press is important for practitioners in terms of recruitment, job satisfaction and retention. In addition, as newspapers are the major source of information on social work for members of the public, greater awareness could reduce the societal tendency towards finding individuals to blame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Exploring the impact of Ofsted inspections on performance in children's social care.
- Author
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Hood, Rick and Goldacre, Allie
- Subjects
- *
PREVENTION of child abuse , *AUDITING , *JUDGMENT (Psychology) , *LOCAL government , *QUANTITATIVE research , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *CHILD welfare , *QUALITY assurance , *GOVERNMENT agencies , *COST analysis , *TIME series analysis , *SOCIAL services , *CHILDREN - Abstract
• Rates of child welfare interventions rose in the year of an Ofsted inspection. • Spikes in intervention were greatest for local authorities judged inadequate. • Post-inspection, expenditure and agency workers rose steeply for inadequate LAs. • Good or outstanding LAs saw a fall in intervention rates, spend and agency workers. • These were unintended consequences and not linked to inspection recommendations. • The inspectorate is encouraged to study the impact of its own activities on provision. Children's social care services in England are inspected by a government agency, Ofsted. This paper reports on the impact of Ofsted inspections on rates of intervention and other performance measures, such as expenditure and workforce, drawing on a quantitative analysis of national datasets. Annual published returns from 150 English local authorities from 2009 to 19 were combined with results from Ofsted inspections under the Single Inspection Framework (2014–17), which covered all local authorities. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was undertaken to find out whether an inspection had a significant effect on performance in the context of trends pre- and post-inspection, and whether this effect varied according to the type of judgement. The results showed discontinuities in a range of indicators in the year of an inspection and the year afterwards. An increase in rates of child protection interventions occurred at the time of an inspection, which was most pronounced in local authorities receiving an inadequate judgement. An inadequate judgement led to a steep rise in spending and use of agency workers compared to other local authorities. The findings suggest that a short-term spike in intervention rates is an unintended consequence of inspections, which is sustained only in local authorities judged to be performing badly. Implications are discussed for performance in the sector and the purpose of inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Using Parental Attachment in Family Court Proceedings: An Empirical Study of the DMM‐AAI.
- Author
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Spieker, Susan J., Crittenden, Patricia M., Landini, Andrea, and Grey, Ben
- Subjects
ATTACHMENT behavior ,COURTS ,CHILD welfare ,PARENT-child relationships ,LEGAL procedure ,EMPIRICAL research ,PARENTS - Abstract
Two methods for classifying Adult Attachment Interviews (AAI) for family court decision‐making, Berkeley and DMM, differ in their usefulness for family court. Both expand Ainsworth's three ABC infant categories. The Berkeley method adds a fourth Disorganised/Unresolved category in adulthood, but has low specificity and validity for risk parents. The DMM method identifies an expanding array of strategies across the lifespan, as neurological development makes more complex strategies possible. This study examined DMM‐AAI classifications in a sample of 332 British AAIs and compared the results to published meta‐analyses of the Berkeley AAI. Six a priori hypotheses addressed the central question raised: which classificatory method for the AAI is more useful for child protection? DMM‐AAI classifications differentiated between (i) normative adults, (ii) parents with mental health problems, (iii) parents in family court proceedings and (iv) incarcerated violent criminals on attachment, psychological trauma and pervasively high or low arousal. We assert that the DMM‐AAI is sufficiently valid and discriminating for court use and that it can contribute to court decision‐making when integrated with other assessments and clinical reports. 'Which classificatory method for the AAI is more useful for child protection?' Key Practitioner Messages: DMM‐AAIs, classified by authorised experts, meet forensic criteria.DMM‐AAIs differentiate maltreating parents from other parents in attachment strategy, trauma and parental reasoning.DMM‐AAI classifications indicate the type of services parents are ready for. Parents with particular classifications might need their own safety addressed before they can benefit from parent training.Customised service plans can help maltreating parents to meet their basic needs so as to better meet their children's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. UK's Data Regulator Yet to Enforce Single Child Protection Case.
- Author
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Solon, Olivia
- Subjects
CHILD welfare ,DATA protection laws ,CHILDREN'S rights ,GENERAL Data Protection Regulation, 2016 - Abstract
Hefty Fines In the European Union, Meta's Instagram could be facing a hefty fine by its main EU data protection watchdog later this month over the way children's data is being treated by the service. (Bloomberg) -- The UK's data protection watchdog is yet to take action against any company for breaching rules designed to protect children from predatory data harvesting practices, two years after they were introduced. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2022
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