Citation

Thoburn J. Child Abuse Negl. 1979; 3(1): 73-80.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper is based on a descriptive study of thirty-four children in statutory care, who had returned home at least two years previously. Parents and social workers were interviewed about their perceptions of the problems which led to court action, the help given, the placement in care, the reasons for the children going home, and their assessments of the well-being of parents and children. The author stresses the importance of the appropriate placement, and of skilled and imaginative work in improving the material and emotional environment. She explores the delicate relationship between parents, children, and social workers when care and control must be combined; and also considers the degree of risk to the children, whilst suggesting ways of minimising this risk.