Early recognition of seriousness

["Anne E. HOLLOWS(HSC)" <A.E.Hollows@xxxxxxxxx>]

I am developing some work for a local authority in the UK in response to
several case reviews that criticised social workers' failure to recognise the
potential for families to deteriorate. The cases were all handled at a
non-susbtantiated (child protection) level and therefore were classed as family
support. They subsequently became serious child protection cases.
 The work to be undertaken includes a comprehensive lit review, prior to
proposing research, as well as developing teaching materials. While I have a
number of sources for the lit review and some ideas about the research I would
be glad to receive ideas, or experience from list members. In particular there
were postings some 2 years ago about subsequent substantiation of previously
unsubstantiated cases which i no longer have.
(I do recognise that this could be approached from the perspective of
theoretical debates about risk and certainty and while that might be a valuable
route in general terms, my current purpose is to focus on the more applied
aspects of this issue).


Anne Hollows
Principal Lecturer in Social Work
School of Health and Community Studies
Sheffield Hallam University
Collegiate Crescent Campus
Sheffield S10 2BA

tel  +44 (0) 114 225 2369
fax+44 (0) 114 225 2430