scholarly journals Substantiation decision-making and risk prediction in child protection systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Keddell

In the last few years, predictive risk modelling has been suggested for use in the child welfare environment as an efficient means of targeting preventive resources and improving practitioner decision-making. First raised in the green paper on vulnerable children, then translated into the white paper on vulnerable children and the Children’s Action Plan, and now part of the Child, Youth and Family review remit, this particular tool has provoked a barrage of opinions and wide-ranging analyses, concerning ethical implications, feasibility and data issues, possible uses and political consequences (Ministry of Social Development, 2011, 2012). This has resulted in a flurry of media, academic and policy debates, both here and internationally, and many reviews and related publications.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elizabeth Dieckermann

<p>This paper examines the New Zealand health professional’s role (with an emphasis on doctors) in several aspects of child sexual abuse intervention and treatment. Both current and proposed legal provisions are considered. After an explanation of their important role in this area, the current child protection framework insofar as it is relevant to health professionals is outlined. This is followed by an analysis of changes proposed in the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children and Vulnerable Children Bill which will affect the landscape in which health professionals work. While there are benefits to proposed measures, some raise privacy and ethical concerns, or are inadequate to address the problem. The paper then addresses the legal requirements around the undertaking of medical examinations following a sexual abuse allegation, observing that the legislation raises questions around issues of consent, and making some suggestions for amendment. Finally, the general healthcare needs of adult survivors of abuse are considered.</p>


2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette Jackson

Child protection systems have always sought to respond to the interests of vulnerable children. Protective paradigms have changed over time as the ‘best interests’ of vulnerable children are defined in different ways. Within protective systems we are currently debating how best to provide children at risk with security and stability: should we seek to reunify them with their birth families or seek alternative options for their permanent care? The debate is unlikely to lead to an either/or option, but rather one where we need to consider many complex factors in both the decision-making process and how to implement these decisions. These factors include: the rationale and process for decision-making; the importance of timing (child's, parent's, carer's, service system and legal system); how to meet the child's heightened developmental needs before, during and following this process; the importance of the child's identity; and the level and type of real-life support needed (by either the birth family or permanent care providers) on the ground. It is also about the relationships needed to provide children with the foundation of a secure base and a safe haven so they can learn that adults can provide comfort, safety and a base upon which they can learn to explore the world.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jana Illiger

<p>This dissertation analyses whether permanent caregivers should be given sole guardianship responsibilities. It shows that the current legal regulations are not sufficient to secure the placement of a child with foster parents on a permanent basis. Therefore, it examines not only the Care of Children Act 2004 and the Children, Young Persons, and Their Children Act 1989, but also the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children as well as the White Paper for Vulnerable Children, launched in October 2012 by the Ministry of Social Development. The White Paper contains a suggestion to limit parental rights in order to secure the “Home for Life” policy, but fails to discuss the proposed amendments in depth and does not set out detailed provisions. In order to fill the gap in the present debate, this dissertation contains recommendations to amend the current legal provisions.</p>


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hyslop

The apparent understandings of knowledge for child protection social work practice which inform the New Zealand White Paper for Vulnerable Children are contrasted with the views expressed in the Munro Review of Child Protection in England. It is argued that the rational-technical view of child protection practice knowledge critiqued in the Munro Review is the driving influence in the White Paper. It is further suggested that the White Paper is underpinned by neoliberal conceptions of individuated responsibility which conflict with the socially situated and relational understandings which are native to the theory and practice of social work. Consequently, the socio-technical social work practice knowledge form recognised and promoted in the Munro Review is marginalised in the White Paper. It is also argued that the failings of the child protection system in Aotearoa New Zealand are more appropriately associated with political and managerial misapprehension of knowledge for competent practice than with the shortcomings of social work as a vehicle for effective child protection. It is suggested that it is high time for the social work voice to be rediscovered and reasserted if effective, relationally engaged, practice with high needs children and their families is to be developed and promoted in politically challenging times.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elizabeth Dieckermann

<p>This paper examines the New Zealand health professional’s role (with an emphasis on doctors) in several aspects of child sexual abuse intervention and treatment. Both current and proposed legal provisions are considered. After an explanation of their important role in this area, the current child protection framework insofar as it is relevant to health professionals is outlined. This is followed by an analysis of changes proposed in the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children and Vulnerable Children Bill which will affect the landscape in which health professionals work. While there are benefits to proposed measures, some raise privacy and ethical concerns, or are inadequate to address the problem. The paper then addresses the legal requirements around the undertaking of medical examinations following a sexual abuse allegation, observing that the legislation raises questions around issues of consent, and making some suggestions for amendment. Finally, the general healthcare needs of adult survivors of abuse are considered.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jana Illiger

<p>This dissertation analyses whether permanent caregivers should be given sole guardianship responsibilities. It shows that the current legal regulations are not sufficient to secure the placement of a child with foster parents on a permanent basis. Therefore, it examines not only the Care of Children Act 2004 and the Children, Young Persons, and Their Children Act 1989, but also the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children as well as the White Paper for Vulnerable Children, launched in October 2012 by the Ministry of Social Development. The White Paper contains a suggestion to limit parental rights in order to secure the “Home for Life” policy, but fails to discuss the proposed amendments in depth and does not set out detailed provisions. In order to fill the gap in the present debate, this dissertation contains recommendations to amend the current legal provisions.</p>


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