Introduction
The paper aims to establish a perspective regarding the stance on child abuse, and the subject of child protection. The critical reflection will carry a research based on literature review, as well the way critical issues related to social arrangements and power reflect the issues and describe options. It has been identified and addressed in a debate that has been ongoing for decades, and yet it is still an issue. There are three main literature review that will be studied in order to address this subject in the task, first of all, “You’ve got to trust her and she’s got to trust you’: children’s views on participation in the child protection system” is a journal related to family social work and child abuse. Second book is the “Good Practice in Child Protection” and the third research is the journal title known as “Doing Harm While Doing Good: The Child Protection Paradox.” Both the main parts of the task will be based on these research works.
Child Abuse and Child Protection
It is stated in the first research work, which is a journal title, that “It is argued that decisions about children’s involvement should take into account not only children’s age and understanding, but be seen in the context of wider family dynamics. Participation in formal processes such as child protection conferences was experienced as difficult and emotive. The child’s relationship with their social worker was central to meaningful participation.” (Humphreys, 2006)
Hence, the issue of child abuse is yet a neglected one, even after a number of research works conducted on them. Besides this, when a specific child is abused, he/she is not given an accurate treatment. Children’s involvement in child protection topic has received a global phenomenon, especially when the “UN Convention on Rights of the Child” has been adopted by the UK in 1991. Thus, the children’s rights, and their protection has been also linked with the academia done on the sociology of child. This subject has been studied in accordance to the rights provided by different countries and it has been mentioned that, “Protecting children in England involves the four key processes of assessment, planning, intervention and review. There is no mandatory reporting or substantiation process as in the USA or Australia.” (Cossar, 2016)
Eventually, certain changes in the law as well as recognition of children’s perspective on the subject has also been an important part, yet this issue still remains to be neglected. In the journal title, a study’s point of view has been mentioned that importance of the children’s right is equal to their experiences, in addition to their feelings and even wishes. This study was a Munro Review of Child Protection. Besides this, the study has also provided extensive literature on the children’s involvement in decision-making which is an effective aspect of the topic. In this context, the author says that the guidance provided to the children must be completely honest and accurate in nature, and this is the only way child protection can be practiced in the society and the child abuse will be eliminated. Thus, in most of the societies around the world it is found out that parents don’t have enough linking with their children in regards to this topic. Mostly parents fail to recognize the importance of guiding their children about this topic, and comprehend it in a subtle manner. Another important subject regarding child protection and child abuse carried by this research is the children’s involvement in meetings. It is found out that there are certain ways to keep a children participated in conferences related to child protection. However, the author “summarized the qualities that children look for in those that help them, including empathy, being a good listener, warmth, honesty, an informal but professional approach, being interested, committed, respectful, reliable and willing to take action.” Yet, no major action is taken in this direction and no meaningful participation of children is guaranteed in the meeting. (Tilbury, 2007)
In the next research work considered for this subject is the book titled, “Good Practice in Child Protection.” According to a critical review of the book, it is stated, “The book intended for courses in social work and human services, along with beginning practitioners on the frontline of child protection and family support.” There is a comprehensive research work present in the book that conveys a solid understanding on explaining the realities as well as complexities of a direct practice with the vulnerable children and their families. The book is written in the Australian context. It offers a comprehensive guide to highlight the key areas of the subject of child protection. According a personal point of view, this book is highly favorable in terms of practitioners, students, and educators regarding the essential domain of social practice.
The chapter 2 reflects on the specific theories related to child abuse and neglect. The chapter studies that media, and other policies practiced in the countries eventually fail to follow the child protection practice rightly. This further results into a certain amount of chaos, and creates even a higher rate of children’s death. It also reflects on the aspect that children do die from the neglect they receive for their terrible experience of child abuse. (Ainsworth, 2012)
Third journal article which is the third research work for this critical reflection is also written in the Australian context. The article states, “Every Australian citizen expects state and territory governments to protect children from child abuse and neglect. Protecting children from harm is seen as good. This however is not a simple matter.”
Critical Issues and Social Arrangement Based on Research Works
According to the three journal articles studied the critical issues identified is the children’s lack of involvement in the participation as well as knowledge regarding the guidelines. This critical issue was highlighted by the first selected journal article. As studied earlier, “In this context, the author says that the guidance provided to the children must be completely honest and accurate in nature, and this is the only way child protection can be practiced in the society and the child abuse will be eliminated.” The second book, and its chapter 2 is based on the subject of child neglect. It specifically maintains a major and consistent responsibility to the media, as well as the policies of the country that neglects the subject of child protection and abuse. It especially states media as an irresponsible medium. The third journal was the most specific on highlighting the social arrangements and therefore, it will be acutely studied in this section. (Hobart, 1998)
According to this journal article, the ultimate act is to protect the children, and therefore they must be removed from parental care. The parental care basically causes pain, distress and even trauma. It also hinders the child’s ability to recover from the trauma of the child abuse, and this is why vulnerable children and families must be given separate attention and it is merely, in keeping them apart. Another authentic idea represented by the journal article is the paradoxes related to child abuse and ways of addressing them. (Turnell, 1999)
A research in the viewpoint of this journal states very well, “Young people leaving care need to manage multiple transitions – moving to independent housing, finishing school, finding work or further study and becoming financially independent – in a shorter time, at a younger age and with fewer resources than their peers. For many care leavers there is an expectation of instant adulthood on leaving formal care.” From personal opinion, this is an important way to perceive the issue. The children must be able to leave the parental care to actually shift to the formal care. Both the care holds a different position for the children.
On the other hand, it is also stated that children must not allowed to leave the care before they are even 15 years old. And, in New South Wales there is a certain contingent upon endorsing a leaving care plan. The parental care, to formal care and leaving the care plans is a process that needs to be both efficient and effective. Or else, the vulnerable child will not be able to cope up with the constant, and sudden changes in their life. According to a study of 2011, it is also stated that almost 90 young adults who leave the care found out that 78% of them had no clue about the endorsed leaving care plan. The issue here lies is the child’s perception as well as the lack of knowledge in regards to this topic. These are some issues that firstly needs to be raised.
Conclusion
The paper has provided a critical reflection on the subject of child abuse and child protection by using three different research works. You’ve got to trust her and she’s got to trust you’: children’s views on participation in the child protection system” is a journal related to family social work and child abuse. Second book is the “Good Practice in Child Protection” and the third research is the journal title known as “Doing Harm While Doing Good: The Child Protection Paradox.” As found out, there are certain critical issues identified in the paper that needs to be highlighted regarding the subject, especially the importance of care plan for children.
References
Tilbury, C. L. A. I. R. E., Osmond, J. E. N. N. I. F. E. R., Wilson, S., & Clark, J. (2007). Good practice in child protection. New South Wales: Pearson Education Australia.
Hobart, C., & Frankel, J. (1998). Good practice in child protection. Nelson Thornes.
Turnell, A., & Edwards, S. (1999). Signs of safety: A solution and safety oriented approach to child protection casework. New York: Norton.
Humphreys, C., & Stanley, N. (2006). Domestic violence and child protection: Directions for good practice. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Cossar, J., Brandon, M., & Jordan, P. (2016). ‘You’ve got to trust her and she’s got to trust you’: children’s views on participation in the child protection system. Child & Family Social Work, 21(1), 103-112.
Ainsworth, F., & Hansen, P. (2012). Doing harm while doing good: The child protection paradox. Child & Youth Services, 33(2), 146-157.
