The prevalence of children identified with mental health problems and disorders in the UK and int... more The prevalence of children identified with mental health problems and disorders in the UK and internationally has been both a source of concern and increasing debate in recent times. However, there exists little scrutiny of child mental health policies to determine the implications for primary teachers' practice.
Concerns about child abuse and neglect are not new. Nor is the degree of public outcry where loc... more Concerns about child abuse and neglect are not new. Nor is the degree of public outcry where local authorities fail in their duties to protect children. However, what is disconcerting is that even though there is, in England and Wales, an abundance of legislation governing the protection of children, as well as attempts to create an integrated child protection system; significant numbers of children continue to be abused.
Child protection brings to the forefront issues about relationships, emotions and bonds between children and their parents- issues with which it seems the law has no role. Indeed, Lord Templeman stated unequivocally, “...The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. It matters not whether the parent is wise or foolish, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, provided the child’s moral and physical health are not in danger. Public authorities cannot improve on nature.”
Whilst recognising the role of the law should not be overstated, this view seems somewhat rigid. Given the undesirable consequences for children who are abused; intervention by local authorities is in some instances undoubtedly necessary.
The aim of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it explains the statutory framework within which local authorities in England and Wales are authorised to protect children. Secondly, there is a detailed consideration of whether these are adequate. Since the term ‘adequate’ is somewhat subjective, this is approached by considering the extent to which the aims of the legislation are being realised. Is it the case that; “The law is fundamentally sound; it is in the understanding of it and its implementation that workers across the field in child protection fail,” or is the issue greater than this?
The prevalence of children identified with mental health problems and disorders in the UK and int... more The prevalence of children identified with mental health problems and disorders in the UK and internationally has been both a source of concern and increasing debate in recent times. However, there exists little scrutiny of child mental health policies to determine the implications for primary teachers' practice.
Concerns about child abuse and neglect are not new. Nor is the degree of public outcry where loc... more Concerns about child abuse and neglect are not new. Nor is the degree of public outcry where local authorities fail in their duties to protect children. However, what is disconcerting is that even though there is, in England and Wales, an abundance of legislation governing the protection of children, as well as attempts to create an integrated child protection system; significant numbers of children continue to be abused.
Child protection brings to the forefront issues about relationships, emotions and bonds between children and their parents- issues with which it seems the law has no role. Indeed, Lord Templeman stated unequivocally, “...The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. It matters not whether the parent is wise or foolish, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, provided the child’s moral and physical health are not in danger. Public authorities cannot improve on nature.”
Whilst recognising the role of the law should not be overstated, this view seems somewhat rigid. Given the undesirable consequences for children who are abused; intervention by local authorities is in some instances undoubtedly necessary.
The aim of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it explains the statutory framework within which local authorities in England and Wales are authorised to protect children. Secondly, there is a detailed consideration of whether these are adequate. Since the term ‘adequate’ is somewhat subjective, this is approached by considering the extent to which the aims of the legislation are being realised. Is it the case that; “The law is fundamentally sound; it is in the understanding of it and its implementation that workers across the field in child protection fail,” or is the issue greater than this?
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Essays by Joy Igiebor
Child protection brings to the forefront issues about relationships, emotions and bonds between children and their parents- issues with which it seems the law has no role. Indeed, Lord Templeman stated unequivocally, “...The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. It matters not whether the parent is wise or foolish, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, provided the child’s moral and physical health are not in danger. Public authorities cannot improve on nature.”
Whilst recognising the role of the law should not be overstated, this view seems somewhat rigid. Given the undesirable consequences for children who are abused; intervention by local authorities is in some instances undoubtedly necessary.
The aim of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it explains the statutory framework within which local authorities in England and Wales are authorised to protect children. Secondly, there is a detailed consideration of whether these are adequate. Since the term ‘adequate’ is somewhat subjective, this is approached by considering the extent to which the aims of the legislation are being realised. Is it the case that; “The law is fundamentally sound; it is in the understanding of it and its implementation that workers across the field in child protection fail,” or is the issue greater than this?
Child protection brings to the forefront issues about relationships, emotions and bonds between children and their parents- issues with which it seems the law has no role. Indeed, Lord Templeman stated unequivocally, “...The best person to bring up a child is the natural parent. It matters not whether the parent is wise or foolish, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, provided the child’s moral and physical health are not in danger. Public authorities cannot improve on nature.”
Whilst recognising the role of the law should not be overstated, this view seems somewhat rigid. Given the undesirable consequences for children who are abused; intervention by local authorities is in some instances undoubtedly necessary.
The aim of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it explains the statutory framework within which local authorities in England and Wales are authorised to protect children. Secondly, there is a detailed consideration of whether these are adequate. Since the term ‘adequate’ is somewhat subjective, this is approached by considering the extent to which the aims of the legislation are being realised. Is it the case that; “The law is fundamentally sound; it is in the understanding of it and its implementation that workers across the field in child protection fail,” or is the issue greater than this?