Protecting Children - by Brid Featherstone & Anna Gupta & Kate Morris & Susan White (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explores the policy and practice possibilities offered by a social model of child protection. Drawing on developments in mental health and disability studies, it examines the conceptual, political and practice implications of this new framework.

Book Synopsis

The state is increasingly experienced as both intrusive and neglectful, particularly by those living in poverty, leading to loss of trust and widespread feelings of alienation and disconnection.

Against this tense background, this innovative book argues that child protection policies and practices have become part of the problem, rather than ensuring children's well-being and safety.

Building on the ideas in the best-selling Re-imagining child protection and drawing together a wide range of social theorists and disciplines, the book:

- Challenges existing notions of child protection, revealing their limits;

- Ensures that the harms children and families experience are explored in a way that acknowledges the social and economic contexts in which they live;

- Explains how the protective capacities within families and communities can be mobilised and practices of co-production adopted;

- Places ethics and human rights at the centre of everyday conversations and practices.

Review Quotes

"This is an excellent book that relates well to practice and addresses contemporary issues of risk, inequality, shame and neoliberalism. It also addresses the relational and strengths-based turn in a sophisticated way." Jameel Hadi, University of Salford

"This ought to be one of the most important contemporary social work texts. It deserves--it needs--to have influence and impact. Social work with children and families has in so many ways lost its way. This book helps us all to reflect and to re-route for the future." The British Journal of Social Work

"Protecting Children provides an incisive critique of the current system and compelling case examples of the mistreatment of families. The book documents and champions alternative approaches so that families' lived experience and perspective frame the discussion and interventions. The book is a useful tool for students, practitioners and policy pros." David Tobis, Maestral International

About the Author

Brid Featherstone is Professor of Social Work at the University of Huddersfield.

Anna Gupta is Professor of Social Work at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Kate Morris is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sheffield.

Sue White is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sheffield.