Parents who neglect children present considerable challenges to child welfare professionals & are often resistant to change. There is little evidence available on what works. This book addresses an urgent need to ensure that social care interventions provide better long term outcomes for neglected children across services. Based on a substantial research study into social care provision for children it provides a rare insight into the experiences of neglected children over a period of five years examining the responsiveness of parents & children to social care support & their progress. Close-focus study of the decisions made on either side of services
- by the children the parents the caregivers & related social & healthcare professionals
- shows what works & what doesnt in the long term. This important study highlights gaps in provision for neglected children after the initial referral stage the risks & potential for professional interventions & how well the child protection system & the courts protect children. The study suggests ways that local authorities & other professionals can meet the complex needs of the children most likely to fall through the safety net the factors related to good outcomes for them & how to improve safeguarding strategies within & beyond childrens services. Providing a critical account of policy systems & practice this book is essential reading for anyone who needs the latest evidence about safeguarding children including policymakers social workers & professionals in health care & the family justice system. Safeguarding children from abuse is of paramount importance. This series communicates messages for practice from an extensive Government-funded research programme designed to improve early recognition of child abuse & neglect as well as service responses & interventions. The series addresses a range of forms of abuse including emotional & physical abuse & neglect & outlines strategies for effective interagency collaboration successful intervention & best practice. Titles in the series will be essential reading for practitioners with responsibility for safeguarding children.