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© British Association of Social Workers
Discourses of Child Protection and Child Welfare
Gordon Jack began his career in social work in 1974. He worked in three local authority social services departments in the north of England, specializing in ‘child protection’, family placement and direct work with individuals and groups, and then spent five years in management positions, with responsibility for day- and respite care, fostering and adoption and guardian ad litem services. He took up his present post, as Lecturer in Social Work with Children and Families (Policy and Practice) in 1991 at Exeter University. He is involved in qualifying and post-qualifying training, as well as writing and research into child-care issues
Correspondence to Gordon Jack, University of Exeter, Department of Social Work and Probation Studies, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ
Summary
The history and dominance of the discourse of child protection and its influence over social work practice with children and families is discussed in the light of recent research into the operation of child protection systems in the UK and elsewhere. The often negative effects of current approaches on professionals, parents, and, particularly, children are highlighted. The issues of confidentiality and empowerment appear to be of central importance for current debates about the welfare of children and young people.
Three strategies for change are outlined and discussed. It is argued that a fundamental challenge to the child protection discourse is required. Parallels are drawn with the changes which occurred in attitudes and responses towards football supporters, following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
The dangers and shortcomings of the present reliance on a disease model of ‘abuse’, with its focus on individual pathology, are analysed. Support is provided for the development of a new discourse, which acknowledges the social contexts within which allegations of ‘abuse’ arise, and without which social work will continue to be restricted to a procedurally dominated conservative orientation to child welfare.
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