When denial isn’t just denial: Rethinking engagement in Child Protection
Richard Devine’s article explores the concept of “disguised compliance” in child protection, urging a shift from simplistic views of denial to recognising the complex psychological processes involved. He highlights that parents’ behaviours often stem from strategic or protective denial shaped by trauma and fear, advocating for a trauma-informed, empathetic approach in social work.
What are we learning here? Reflections on the Victoria Marten National Review
The national review following baby Victoria Marten’s tragic death highlights critical issues in safeguarding practice, including the impact of trauma on parental engagement. Despite valuable recommendations for more trauma-informed approaches, it struggles to connect these ideals to specific actions that may have altered the tragic outcome, revealing limitations in current safeguarding frameworks.
10 Lessons from over 10 years of Social Work with Children and Families
Richard Devine shares ten vital lessons from his experiences with children and families in BASW’s Professional Social Work Magazine. Key insights include the importance of acknowledging past influences, the challenge of change, empathy for parents, and maintaining humility. These concepts are further explored in his upcoming book, Messy Social Work.
Assessing Parents’ Capacity to Change in Social Work Assessments: Key Insights
Assessing capacity to change in child protection requires understanding parents’ behaviors and their willingness to engage with support. The text outlines five key elements for effective assessment: behavior patterns, previous support, effect of support, potential additional support, and analysis of engagement likelihood. Positive changes hinge on tailored interventions that address underlying issues for improved child safety.
Why we don’t talk to children?
A guest blog from Andy Black, a Social Worker in the Child in Care Team at Bath and North East Somerset Council (08.05.20). Introduction: I wanted to write this blog as the question of why we don’t talk to children is something that has consistently arisen within my own practice. After almost two years working […]
A summary on the ‘WHY’ of writing a chronology
The most important part of writing a chronology is understanding WHY we complete them. Often in Social Work, the ‘HOW’ is underpinned by the ‘WHY. There are many reasons to complete a chronology but here are five of the main reasons: To understand Children Social Care involvement with the family or child thus far. You […]
5 Tips for Social Workers Working at Home
With thanks to Yari Chi for this picture; a colleague from BANES
The role of ‘Kintsugi’ in contemporary child protection practice.
This was a guest blog I wrote for Rebecca Carr Hopkins and can be found at: