The topic of parental engagement in the context of child protection is of significant international interest, given much documented problems of achieving effective ‘partnerships’ where professional agencies raise serious concerns about children. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study of interaction between professionals and parents in the quasi-judicial setting of pre-proceedings meetings in England. Recent legislative changes in England and Wales have aimed to improve the prospects for effective partnership work with parents through a revised pre-proceedings process. Through detailed examination of parent-professional interaction using methods of applied discourse studies, the study highlights the constraints that institutional requirements create in terms of the differential rights and obligations of parents and professionals. Inevitably, that talk is asymmetrically organised in favour of the local authority, leads to resistance on the part of parents. The study highlights problems of engaging parents who display both active and passive forms of resistance, as they seek to challenge or reject organisational goals. The study concludes with broader observations about the likely limits of legislative efforts that seek to ‘re-order’ the complex relationships between parents and professionals in child protection work.
(Publisher abstract)
The topic of parental engagement in the context of child protection is of significant international interest, given much documented problems of achieving effective ‘partnerships’ where professional agencies raise serious concerns about children. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study of interaction between professionals and parents in the quasi-judicial setting of pre-proceedings meetings in England. Recent legislative changes in England and Wales have aimed to improve the prospects for effective partnership work with parents through a revised pre-proceedings process. Through detailed examination of parent-professional interaction using methods of applied discourse studies, the study highlights the constraints that institutional requirements create in terms of the differential rights and obligations of parents and professionals. Inevitably, that talk is asymmetrically organised in favour of the local authority, leads to resistance on the part of parents. The study highlights problems of engaging parents who display both active and passive forms of resistance, as they seek to challenge or reject organisational goals. The study concludes with broader observations about the likely limits of legislative efforts that seek to ‘re-order’ the complex relationships between parents and professionals in child protection work.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child protection, social worker-service user relationships, participation, social work methods, parents;
British Journal of Social Work, 44(4), 2014, pp.1011-1026.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
The Public Law Outline (PLO) introduced in England and Wales in April 2008 appeared to hold out the promise of a fairer process for parents within pre-proceedings decision-making processes that determine whether or not the local authority will make an application to court. Whilst the rhetoric of the PLO to provide consensual solutions within administrative rather than judicial decision-making processes may be laudable, there are tensions and dilemmas in ensuring the rights of parents and children are protected when important decisions are being made without the oversight of the court. Despite the rhetoric of keeping children and families at the heart, there appears no relief from the procedural and managerial processes set within a context of public sector cuts affecting all professionals
(Publisher abstract)
The Public Law Outline (PLO) introduced in England and Wales in April 2008 appeared to hold out the promise of a fairer process for parents within pre-proceedings decision-making processes that determine whether or not the local authority will make an application to court. Whilst the rhetoric of the PLO to provide consensual solutions within administrative rather than judicial decision-making processes may be laudable, there are tensions and dilemmas in ensuring the rights of parents and children are protected when important decisions are being made without the oversight of the court. Despite the rhetoric of keeping children and families at the heart, there appears no relief from the procedural and managerial processes set within a context of public sector cuts affecting all professionals tasked with protecting children. Achieving justice for children and families to ensure their rights are protected within a protocol that necessitates increased resources will be a challenge.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child protection, decision making, care proceedings, human rights, children, parents, local authorities;
Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 35(2), 2013, pp.163-177.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This paper examines the issue of professional advocacy for parents in England following the local authority issuing the Letter Before Proceedings when the concerns about the welfare of a child are so serious the local authority are considering applying for a care order. The tensions of providing a legal advocacy service for parents are explored by drawing on a study of 57 cases, scrutinised as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Cafcass Pre-Proceedings Pilot (Broadhurst et al. 2012). The pre-proceedings meeting can be pivotal in terms of the direction of the case, the impression created at the meeting, and the action parties take afterwards. The importance of advocacy for parents was highlighted in the study both to facilitate parents' understanding of the issues, and to afford a level
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper examines the issue of professional advocacy for parents in England following the local authority issuing the Letter Before Proceedings when the concerns about the welfare of a child are so serious the local authority are considering applying for a care order. The tensions of providing a legal advocacy service for parents are explored by drawing on a study of 57 cases, scrutinised as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Cafcass Pre-Proceedings Pilot (Broadhurst et al. 2012). The pre-proceedings meeting can be pivotal in terms of the direction of the case, the impression created at the meeting, and the action parties take afterwards. The importance of advocacy for parents was highlighted in the study both to facilitate parents' understanding of the issues, and to afford a level of protection of their rights. In 16 out of 82 pre-proceedings meetings no advocate was present, and in general fathers were less likely to be represented (although as reported the exact pattern appears more complex). Where advocates were present, contributions to the pre proceedings meeting varied from no input, to seeking points of clarification, and in 4 cases there was evidence of active ‘brokering’ on behalf of their clients.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
advocacy, child protection, local authorities, parents, care proceedings, legal professionals;
Child and Family Social Work, 15(1), February 2010, pp.97-106.
Publisher:
Wiley
... wherever possible - the new approach to case management, which places significant emphasis on pre-proceedings work and the effective cooperation of parents, can be seen to reinforce the 'no order principle' built into the Children Act 1989. The authors focus specifically on relationship between parents and professionals, and engage in a critical discussion of the potential of the PLO to further promote consensual practices with parents. Tracing the introduction of the concept of partnership within the Children Act 1989, this paper provides a review of the evidence to-date of effective partnership working, before considering the prospects for the PLO with respect to parental engagement. A number of key obstacles are highlighted that undermine the aspirations of the new outline, and a more general
This paper discusses the introduction, in April 2008, of a new Public Law Outline (PLO) that aims to improve judicial case management of Public Law Children Act cases. As a response to concerns about the rising number of care proceedings, associated costs, and the difficulties of achieving case resolution given this volume, the PLO is based on an philosophy that care proceedings should be avoided wherever possible - the new approach to case management, which places significant emphasis on pre-proceedings work and the effective cooperation of parents, can be seen to reinforce the 'no order principle' built into the Children Act 1989. The authors focus specifically on relationship between parents and professionals, and engage in a critical discussion of the potential of the PLO to further promote consensual practices with parents. Tracing the introduction of the concept of partnership within the Children Act 1989, this paper provides a review of the evidence to-date of effective partnership working, before considering the prospects for the PLO with respect to parental engagement. A number of key obstacles are highlighted that undermine the aspirations of the new outline, and a more general observation is drawn about the limits of procedure in effecting change in complex social issues.
Subject terms:
parental attitudes, parents, procedures, social work methods, social worker-service user relationships, case management, care proceedings;
Child and Family Social Work, 21(2), 2016, p.156–165.
Publisher:
Wiley
In a climate of austerity, timescales and targets, this paper probes whether parents matter sufficiently within the current child protection system in England. Evidence suggests that achieving partnership working in the context of child protection has become increasingly illusive, particularly when parents are notified that the local authority is considering compulsory intervention to remove their children under the Children Act 1989. Recent changes to legislation, policy and practice ushered in with the aim of achieving earlier decisions within the time frame for the child are laudable, but there are consequences for both children and their parents. The aspirations of the Public Law Outline (2008) are well rehearsed, but the changes being introduced with the recent reform of the family justice system, alongside particular constructions of parenting, may be failing to recognise the potential of many parents, if offered appropriate support, to care safely for their children.
(Publisher abstract)
In a climate of austerity, timescales and targets, this paper probes whether parents matter sufficiently within the current child protection system in England. Evidence suggests that achieving partnership working in the context of child protection has become increasingly illusive, particularly when parents are notified that the local authority is considering compulsory intervention to remove their children under the Children Act 1989. Recent changes to legislation, policy and practice ushered in with the aim of achieving earlier decisions within the time frame for the child are laudable, but there are consequences for both children and their parents. The aspirations of the Public Law Outline (2008) are well rehearsed, but the changes being introduced with the recent reform of the family justice system, alongside particular constructions of parenting, may be failing to recognise the potential of many parents, if offered appropriate support, to care safely for their children.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
advocacy, childrens social care, care proceedings, child protection, joint working, decision making, social work, parents;