Mixed messages from research?

There is a real danger of seriously mixed messages circulating in media discussions of the Action for Children / University of Stirling report on neglect published today. The situation is not helped by Action for Children’s headline – “Social workers feel powerless to intervene in child neglect cases”.

It is important to realise that what is NOT required are more powers for social workers, the police or other officials. Present powers deal adequately with any situation in which there is a likelihood of significant harm occurring to a child.

In my view the message from this research is that neglect demands more resources and more resourceful ways of working. Money, ingenuity and creativity are required, not legislation.