Gender and Child Protection

Description

It has been widely noted in the social work literature that the practice of child protection is highly gendered. When it comes to child abuse, women come under more scrutiny and men, who are more likely to present a risk of harm to children, are not engaged with. This text takes stock of this controversial topic, examining the state of policy and theory on the subject and exploring the organisational culture and the professional knowledge and values that influence contemporary social work in the field of child welfare. It combines theory with illustrative example, and concludes by focusing on the lessons for practice.

JONATHAN BRYN SCOURFIELD is Lecturer, School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University. He previously worked as a practitioner in the fields of HIV, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and probation. His principal interest is in gender and social welfare and he is a member of the Cardiff Family Studies Research Centre.