NCJ Number
228642
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 18 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2009 Pages: 333-345
Date Published
October 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an analysis of Lord Laming's second progress report on the English child protection system, published in 2009.
Abstract
Even though Lord Laming's latest review of progress made in developing good practice showed limitations, the English government has shown willingness to invest significantly in children's services. It is suggested that the United Kingdom may benefit from including a recognition of the extent and severity of child maltreatment; an acknowledgement of the significance of the prevailing cultural perspective in relation to children and young people; an understanding of the importance of relationship-based practice and the limitations of prescribed processes; and a significant and sustained investment in children's services. After a revival of national concerns about the standard of child safeguarding practice in England, following implementation of widespread structural changes, this paper discusses the recommendations of Lord Laming's recent progress report published in March 2009. The report questions whether the scale of the challenge in improving child protection is fully recognized, and briefly considers the culture of social care in the United Kingdom and the barriers to effective reform. References