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System abuse: towards a greater understanding from the perspectives of children and parents
Author(s) -
McGee Caroline,
Westcott Helen L
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2206.1996.tb00023.x
Subject(s) - salient , child protection , social work , section (typography) , term (time) , psychology , child abuse , service (business) , developmental psychology , medicine , nursing , suicide prevention , poison control , political science , computer science , medical emergency , law , physics , economy , quantum mechanics , economics , operating system
The present article explores the concept of system abuse from the perspectives of children and parents. Four main ways in which the term has been used are highlighted and, with reference to the literature, the commonalities underlying the various uses of the term are explored. Reviewing the available evidence suggests that many families may become unnecessarily involved in the child protection system; this finding is discussed within the parameters of the current Section 17/Section 47 debate. Features of the investigation identified as particularly salient for children and parents include the initial phase of the investigation; investigative interviews and medical examinations; case conferences; social‐worker/family interaction and the lack of follow‐through services. Gaps in service provision when workers do not consider that abuse has occurred are also considered. Finally, pointers for practice during investigations are discussed in the light of this review