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Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

BARNES Vivienne; CHAND Ash;

Title:

Initial assessments in child protection: the reality of practice.

Reference:

Practice, 12(4), December 2000, pp.5-16

ISSN paper:

0950-3153

ISSN online:

1742-4909

Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to consider the difficulties around the process of initial assessments in child protection, when a child care social worker has received a referral and needs to make a decision about whether it constitutes a child protection referral or not. The processes involved in this decision-making are the main focus of this paper, with the authors drawing upon their own experience of practice and relevant studies which indicate that, unlike 'comprehensive' assessments, there is little information, policy or guidance about how to determine whether a referral constitutes a child protection matter. Even when this decision is not in dispute, how they should be prioritised in relation to other child abuse referrals remains unclear. A case study is used to illustrate ways in which practitioners' value judgements may help or hinder. Other factors are similarly explored which include mechanistic responses to referrals; practice which is 'evidence-led'; and resource issues.

Journal home:

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Format:

article;

Topics:

assessment; case studies; child abuse; child protection services; decision making; emotional abuse; investigations; professional role; referral; social work;

Content Type:

good practice;

Country/Region:

United Kingdom;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=e0328a44-547b-4a8c-82b8-0041b3dbdeef

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