Securing the safety and well-being of neglected children within the family and community context

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the procedures and practice methods used in relation to referred cases of child neglect to Child Protection Services. This study aims to identify areas of development that would enhance the work presently carried out with families where children are being neglected with the aim of avoiding having to remove children from their home. Indeed this study is a means of discovering how to enhance the well-being and safety of the neglected child, through improvement and development of services offered in the community and different levels of support offered to the child and the family. A qualitative research design was adopted through the use of the triangulation method. The researcher carried out individual in-depth interviews with social workers working within Cottonera Community Team, Generic Services, and Child Protection Services. Furthermore, as part of the data collection process three case studies which involved the issue of a care order were thoroughly analysed. Subsequently, the data collected was placed in graphical format by using concept mapping, and categorized according to the key themes of the research question in order to identify useful information. Working with and protecting neglected children entails positive engagement with neglected children and their families, and subsequently, a thorough assessment of the presenting situation. Following this the social workers intervene according to the identified individual needs in order to tackle the issues which are contributing to the neglect. The research findings suggest that the strategies necessary to be adopted by the Maltese system in order to keep children within their family and community context include primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies. From the findings it may be concluded that the current social work bureaucratic system in Malta is limited in dealing with child neglect within at-risk families. This implies that, a number of crucial strategies necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of neglected children whilst they continue to live with their family and community should be developed and implemented.