Journal article
Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Knowledge, Confidence and Training within a Contemporary UK Social Work Practice and Policy Context
British Journal of Social Work, Vol.46(8), pp.2208-2226
2016
Abstract
In 2014, research was undertaken to examine social workers' confidence, understanding and awareness of child sexual abuse (CSA) as it was suggested that a decline in numbers of reported incidents might be due to a decline in levels of understanding and awareness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five first-line, middle and senior managers and two chairs of local safeguarding boards across six local authorities in England. Focus groups were conducted with fifty-four social workers. Key themes revealed a complex array of issues, ranging from the diverse forms of CSA and exploitation that social workers are required to address, the variable support and training available, and the inter-disciplinary nature of much of the work. Although social workers undertake this important work with a strong sense of commitment and concern for children, they face a number of challenges. Paradoxically, whilst their work on these cases is the source of intense scrutiny, the training, support and supervision, and role clarity required to undertake this work well are often overlooked. The aim of this paper is to discuss the research findings and to identify implications for social work practice, training, multi-agency work and future research.
Details
- Title
- Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Knowledge, Confidence and Training within a Contemporary UK Social Work Practice and Policy Context
- Authors
- J Kwhali (Author) - Coventry University, United KingdomLinda Martin (Author) - Coventry University, United KingdomG Brady (Author) - Coventry University, United KingdomSarah J Brown (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- British Journal of Social Work, Vol.46(8), pp.2208-2226
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1093/bjsw/bcw154
- ISSN
- 0045-3102
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Law and Criminology - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450942102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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