Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-mlc7c Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-07T21:06:34.509Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The ‘rule of optimism’: Dilemmas of embracing a strength based approach in child protection work

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2016

Carolyn Cousins
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Written from a practitioner’s perspective, this article explores some concerns with the application of the very popular strength based approaches to statutory child protection work. It is suggested that, despite the many benefits and positives in these approaches, these models are sometimes used (or misused) too early in intervention, which can lead to over optimism about the possibilities for change. The article questions whether a solely strength based approach can be safely applied to child protection work, and encourages practitioners to question their practice and ‘proceed with caution’.

Type
Current perspectives …
Information
Children Australia , Volume 30 , Issue 2 , 2005 , pp. 28 - 32
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Berg, K. & Kelly, S. (2000) Building solutions in child protective services, W.W. Norton & Co., New York.Google Scholar
Daniel, B. (2000) ‘Judgements about parenting: What do social workers think they are doing?’, Child Abuse Review, Volume 9, pp.91–107.Google Scholar
Elliott, B., Mulroney, L. & O’Neil, D. (2000) Promoting family change: The optimism factor, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.Google Scholar
Furlong, M. (2001) ‘Neither colluding nor colliding: Practical ideas for engaging men’, in Pearse, B. & Camilleri, P. (eds), Working with Men in the Human Services, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.Google Scholar
Furlong, M. (1989) ‘Can a family therapist do statutory work?’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, Volume 10, No. 4, pp.211–218.Google Scholar
Kilpatrick, K. (2001) Parent empathy and child maltreatment, dissertation, UNE.Google Scholar
Leslie, L. (1995) ‘The evolving treatment of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in marital and family therapy’, Family Relations, Volume 44, pp. 359–367.Google Scholar
Morrison, T. (1998) Professional Dangerous, transcript of speech to NSPCC Child Protection Team, Rochalle, UK.Google Scholar
Munro, E. (1999) ‘Common errors of reasoning in child protection work’, Child Abuse and Neglect, Vol.23, No.8, pp.745–758.Google Scholar
Saleebey, D. (1996) ‘The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions’ Social Work, Vol. 41, No. 3.Google Scholar
Scott, D. & O’Neil, D. (1996) Beyond child rescue: Developing family-centred practice at St Luke’s, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.Google Scholar
Trotter, C. (2004) Helping abused children and their families, Allen and Unwin, Sydney.Google Scholar