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The context of decision‐making in cases of child neglect
Author(s) -
Jones Jocelyn,
Gupta Anna
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
child abuse review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1099-0852
pISSN - 0952-9136
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0852(199803/04)7:2<97::aid-car354>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - neglect , context (archaeology) , child protection , child neglect , child abuse , welfare , psychology , developmental psychology , social psychology , poison control , suicide prevention , political science , psychiatry , medicine , nursing , law , medical emergency , history , archaeology
This paper explores professional decision‐making in cases of child neglect within the context of child protection practice in Britain. The literature on the nature of neglect is reviewed. Difficulties associated with decision‐making are then examined within a framework that addresses the social, political and organizational context of child protection practice. It is argued that the current system, which focuses on incidents of abuse rather than the context of children's lives, provides inadequate protection for many children experiencing chronic neglect. Conclusions are drawn with regard to the development of practice that supports vulnerable parents while still remaining the child's welfare as paramount. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.