Some reflections on child protection . . .
The requirement that children be protected from abuse, neglect and interpersonal trauma is conceptually simple and beyond reproach.
Child protection in practice is not-so-simple.
Child protection in practice requires the community to be informed about the ill-effects of child maltreatment on the development and psychological wellbeing of maltreated children. Child protection in practice requires the community to stand against the abuse and neglect of children.
Strong and effective child protection in practice requires a statutory workforce that is well-trained and well-supported. Child protection workers require the knowledge and the tools to properly assess and address matters referred to them on an individual, case-by-case basis. There should be no universal adherence to dogma, such as “family preservation”, “permanency planning” or “solution-based-casework”. These all detract from individualised, informed and thoughtful decision-making.
Strong and effective child protection in practice requires a strong and informed leadership that supports their professional workforce, to the benefit of children who require protection and assistance with recovery from trauma.
Strong and effective child protection in practice requires well-trained and well-supported foster parents. Foster parents are vital to all endeavours to protect children.
Strong and effective child protection in practice requires a professional workforce that is appropriately trained and equipped with strategies to help children recover from abuse and neglect.
Strong and effective child protection in practice requires that we care more about the future of our community than our own contemporary self-interest and strive assiduously for a more sensitive and caring society for our children and grandchildren.
Attachment and Resilience 