NCJ Number
48965
Date Published
1975
Length
11 pages
Annotation
BASED ON STUDIES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, THIS PAPER DESCRIBES THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY SOCIAL WORKER WHEN INJURY TO A CHILD IS SUSPECTED OF BEING NON-ACCIDENTAL.
Abstract
THE WIDE RANGE OF SITUATIONS IN WHICH A SOCIAL WORKER MAY BECOME INVOLVED IS DEFINED, INCLUDING MARITAL PROBLEMS, FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, AND CHILD BATTERING. THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACT OF 1969 IS DISCUSSED, AS WELL AS THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM WELFARE OF THE CHILD. A BRIE DISCUSSION OF HEALTH VISITORS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH TEAMS IS PRESENTED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF 'CORPORATE MANAGEMENT' OF CHILD ABUSE CASES. THE SOCIAL WORKER IS THE LOWEST LEVEL IN THE THREE-LEVEL CORPORATE HIERARCHY CONSISTING OF THE HEALTH VISITOR/SOCIAL WORKER; THE DIVISIONAL MEDICAL/DIVISIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICERS; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/DEPUTY COUNTY MEDICAL OFFICER. THE INHERENT FRAGMENTATION OF INFORMATION WITHIN THIS NETWORK IS EXPLAINED, AND THE NEED FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS AND INDIVIDUAL WORKERS TO MINIMIZE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH FRAGMENTS OF INFORMATION IS EMPHASIZED. A SAMPLE RECORD FORM ILLUSTRATES THE HEADINGS UNDER WHICH VITAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAMILY SITUATION MAY BE SECURED BY THE SOCIAL WORKER. DETERMINATION OF THE FAMILY AT RISK OF BATTERING IS EXAMINED, WITH SUGGESTED POINTS OF INFORMATION TO BE COVERED BY THE ASSIGNED SOCIAL WORKER WHO IS ASSESSING THE FAMILY IN THE QUARTERLY REPORT TO THE SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER. THE CASE CONFERENCE, THE COURTS, AND THE STRUCTURING OF SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO TREATED. THE PAPER PROPOSES A FORM OF INTERMEDIATE TREATMENT, CALLED A PROTECTION ORDER, FOR CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF MAJORITY FOR WHOM A SUPERVISION ORDER CANNOT PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SAFEGUARDS. REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SENSITIVITY TO THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS, DESIRES, AND PRIORITIES. (RBS)