Book description

This ground-breaking book provides evidence to link two issues of major concern to health and welfare professionals: the re-abuse of children and violence against child protection workers. Janet Stanley and Chris Goddard propose that by recognising the violence faced by protective workers, protection of children under the care of protective services will be increased. Furthermore, they argue that failures in child protection have been too often followed by failures in the child death inquiry systems.

Based on interviews with protective workers and rigorous examination of their case files, In the Firing Line draws links between the traumatised and isolated child protection worker and the traumatised and isolated re-abused child. Using the words of the workers themselves, the stresses of being "in the firing line" are vividly brought to life. Case studies highlight the full extent of violence in many children's lives. The book proposes that, in serious cases of abuse, new approaches and understandings are required if children are to be protected from repeated abuse, long-term psychological injury and perhaps death.

In the Firing Line is essential reading for all professionals, policy makers, students and educators in child care and protection. It is also important for those who work with clients/customers who have the potential to be violent and for those who are responsible for the supervision and management of staff who work with potentially violent clients.

About the Authors

Dr Janet Stanley has researched child maltreatment and family violence for 12 years while associated with the Child Abuse and Family Violence Research Unit, Monash University. Currently, Janet also undertakes research consultancies with the National Child Protection Clearinghouse, which has a particular interest in the prevention of child maltreatment. Janet has published in leading international and Australian journals.

Associate Professor Chris Goddard has worked as a child protection worker in the UK and Australia. He is the author of a number of books and more than 50 journal articles on child welfare, and he has written for the media on child protection issues. His research on child protection has led to government inquiry and to major reforms to services. Chris is the Head of Social Work at Monash University, and Director of the Child Abuse and Family Violence Research Unit in Australia.

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