Michael explores the challenges faced by professionals in identifying and addressing child abuse and neglect. Drawing from personal experiences as a children's guardian, Michael highlights cases where reports and referrals about children's welfare were not substantiated, leading to continued harm. The episode focuses on a specific case involving a mother, her son Kay, and their tumultuous journey through various care arrangements. Michael reflects on the missed signs and clues that could have prevented the ongoing harm to Kay and his siblings. This thought-provoking episode emphasises the importance of thorough assessments, reflection, and awareness in safeguarding children's well-being.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Comprehensive parenting assessments can sometimes miss important clues and signs of harm to children if professionals are too focused on specific evidence.

• Professionals may fail to substantiate genuine reports and referrals about the care children are exposed to, allowing harm to continue.

• Parents and caregivers may present a picture that satisfies professionals' concerns, but they may lack insight into the harm they are causing due to their own childhood experiences.

• The case of Kay and his mother highlights the importance of reflecting on gathered information and being attuned to signs of abuse and neglect.

• Professionals need to prioritise safeguarding and not overlook concerns or close cases prematurely.

BEST MOMENTS

"Almost routinely these referrals were investigated, but found to be unsubstantiated, resulting in the child or children remaining in environments and circumstances which it was discovered, often years later, were extremely harmful to them." 

"The frustrating thing was, I was always left with the feeling that surely this could have been prevented. but the parent and family had clearly chosen to do their best to pull the wool over the professional's eyes and had often been successful at doing so, albeit at the expense of their child's health and well-being." 

"It was clear to me that she loved Kay, felt guilty about not caring for him and wanted to, but after only a few questions admitted she was not able to meet his needs."

"This case highlighted for me how professionals, given the pressures of the work they are engaged in, and given their finite resources, can and often are persuaded by parents to accept that children are being adequately cared for when they are not." 

"Missing clues and signs is something that as human beings we are all capable of doing. The willingness and ability to reflect on information gathered is thus of crucial importance to safeguarding and meeting the needs of children."

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HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.