| Abstract: | The current debate about the balance between child protection and family support, informed by the publication of a sequence of government sponsored research studies, tends to focus on the investigative stage of child protection relating to Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 and contrasts this with the less stigmatising approach of assessment and support to the families of children in need under Section 17 of the Act. Little attention has so far been paid in Government documents and guidance to the child protection process after the initial investigative stage. The work of the core group, set up by the child protection conference when a child's name is placed on the register, is, however, the main vehicle for the implementation of the plan to protect the child(ren) at risk in a family and marries the twin strands of protection and support. Because of the pressures on training and staff development sections of Social Services Departments, as well as on academic institutions offering social work courses to meet the mandatory requirements of CCETSW and of the Training Support Programme, training and education relating to core groups have been afforded low priority in most authorities and universities. Research suggests that there is great potential for prevention, for family support and for positive work with children and their families in this area of work. A recent national conference suggested models for progressing good practice. A pre-conference questionnaire was completed by conference participants and is to be extended to all local authority Social Services Departments to collect information on current practice and procedures. Training Issues include the following: -
1. partnership practice with both family members and professionals; -
2. communication with children and young people and other family members; -
3. power and issues of difference; -
4. clear and detailed planning, monitoring and review; -
5. user perspectives. Some examples of professionals' and service users' views will be given as well as suggestions for a framework and strategy for training in this area. |
