The branding of children as "witches", capable of harming others is a widespread practice in some countries in Africa and across the world. There is evidence of this within specific communities and faith groups; however, the extent to which this phenomenon occurs in England is unclear as is the response by childcare professionals,…

In the United Kingdom, the Children Act (1989) states that children are best brought up with their families. However, if a child is suffering from or likely to suffer from significant harm, then the local authorities may initiate care proceedings under section 31 of the Children Act (1989). The Public Law Outline is a judicial case management tool…

This article reflects on a number of key concepts and planning tools that have been developed or adapted through the inter-agency planning of services for children and young people in Northern Ireland (Children's Services Planning). These conceptual models have been developed between 1999 and 2005 and illustrate the key contribution of Children's…

Examines maintenance of continuity in relationships between children and birth parents, arguing that contact is often used by social workers for assessment rather than to maintain emotional bonds between children and birth parents, and that behavior can be misinterpreted in contact settings. Suggests that special attention should be paid to the…

Argues that the voices of those who have been abused in residential care need to be considered in research on child abuse in residential settings. Considers the high percentage of child perpetrators, the focus on child control and restraint rather than development, and the potential dangers of dominant, charismatic leaders, and politically…

Suggests incorporating into practice those findings that emerge repeatedly in different foster care studies. Identifies four characteristics of children that have been linked to particular outcomes: age at time of placement, contact with biological family, length of time in care, and behavior problems. Shows how incorporation of these factors into…

Suggests that ethical problems in research involving contact with children can be overcome by using a participatory approach. Describes a study conducted in England and Wales that explored what part children are playing in decisions since implementation of the Children Act 1989 and what the participants think of the process. (LPP)

In the paper "A Fairer Deal For Legal Aid" (2005), the Department of Constitutional Affairs poses the question: Are we ensuring that system resources are used in the "most proportionate, efficient, effective and timely way to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families?" This paper argues that the issue of…

Discusses the role of adoption services within the wider context of children's services, and examines the reasons why adoption, having once achieved a position at the pinnacle of the available child placement options, now seems to be a placement option fundamentally out of step with other initiatives for child welfare services. (TJQ)

Examines definitions related to prevention and intervention for children to inform development of ideas in health, education, and social services contexts. Summarizes principles of effective prevention/early intervention. Presents examples of good practice, focusing on the High Scope model and a contemporary program in England that allows health,…

Gives an overview of recent changes in legislation and social policy with respect to child welfare in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Discusses the effect of the Children Act 1989 on children's services in England and contrasts England's services with the organization of child welfare services in Scotland and Northern Ireland.…

Describes and assesses the impact of the 1989 Children Act on the family support aspects of statutory child-care social work. Outlines ideological challenges to family support work and traces the main themes in relevant professional and research literature. Presents the family support clauses of the act and an account of the dominant concerns that…

Outlines England's child-care system, focusing on services to protect at-risk children or support families of children in need; explores the changing Department of Health interest in research on outcomes of different aspects of the system, including the role of social services in child protection, the Children Act, the residential child-care…

Identifies and analyzes central tensions and themes that characterize child protection policy in England and Wales. Outlines conflicting messages that have been prevalent in debates about child abuse since the early 1980s. Analyzes in detail the 1989 Children Act, the 1991 Criminal Justice Act, Working Together (1991), and the Memorandum of Good…

Discusses Britain's Children Act, which requires child welfare authorities to give due consideration to a child's religious background when placing a child or planning for its future. Reviews some child welfare practice and policy implications of this regulation. (HTH)