In the Firing Line - Violence & Power in Child Protection Work (Paperback)

Serious child protection failures haunt health and welfare agencies around the world.

This ground-breaking book provides evidence to link two issues of major concern to health and welfare professionals: the re-abuse of children and violence against child protection workers. Janet Stanley and Chris Goddard propose that by recognising the violence faced by protective workers, protection of children under the care of protective services will be increased. Furthermore, they argue that failures in child protection have been too often followed by failures in the child death inquiry systems.

Based on interviews with protective workers and rigorous examination of their case files, In the Firing Line draws links between the traumatised and isolated child protection worker and the traumatised and isolated re-abused child. Using the words of the workers themselves, the stresses of being "in the firing line" are vividly brought to life. Case studies highlight the full extent of violence in many children's lives. The book proposes that, in serious cases of abuse, new approaches and understandings are required if children are to be protected from repeated abuse, long-term psychological injury and perhaps death.

In the Firing Line is essential reading for all professionals, policy makers, students and educators in child care and protection. It is also important for those who work with clients/customers who have the potential to be violent and for those who are responsible for the supervision and management of staff who work with potentially violent clients.