Working together to identify child maltreatment: social work and acute healthcare
Abstract
Purpose
The wider research literature indicates that health professionals’ ability to identify possible child maltreatment varies, and that this can lead to under-reporting of possible maltreatment to local authority (LA) statutory child protection agencies. The purpose of this paper is to understand how acute trust paediatric and LA services work together in suspected cases of child maltreatment, and what is viewed locally as good practice.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach, consisting of an online survey, qualitative case studies and good practice examples, was used to describe key features of current practice in joint working between acute trusts and LA services, and to generate insights that could help improve practice.
Findings
Holistic assessment and information gathering, supported by training and expert input, were identified as being critical to a comprehensive approach to identifying maltreatment. Both in-hospital and community-based social work arrangements can be effective bases for joint working in respect of child maltreatment. Effective joint working relies on shared vision and values, and investment in, and commitment to, collaborative working.
Research limitations/implications
This study covered arrangements in emergency departments (EDs) and maternity departments only, so future research could usefully look more broadly within acute care settings. Study respondents were also limited to safeguarding leads so, in future, there would be real value in exploring the experiences, practices and views of frontline practitioners.
Practical implications
The study includes practical implications for hospital and social work teams working to safeguard children.
Originality/value
The study highlights the characteristics of effective liaison between acute trust maternity and EDS and social work teams.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are very grateful to the hospital and social work service staff who gave their time to the research, in both the online surveys and the case study interviews. The authors would also like to thank the project Advisory Group for their advice, insights and support throughout the study. The study was funded and conducted as part of the work of the Policy Research Unit in the Health of Children, Young People and Families (CPRU). CPRU is funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Programme, and the authors gratefully acknowledge the Department’s financial support for the study. This is an independent report and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the funders. The authors’ work was independent of the funders who did not play any part in the design, data analysis and interpretation of this study, the writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit the paper for publication. The authors would like to thank members of the Policy Research Unit for the Health of Children, Young People and Families: Terence Stephenson, Catherine Law, Amanda Edwards, Ruth Gilbert, Steve Morris, Helen Roberts, Catherine Shaw, Russell Viner and Miranda Wolpert.
Citation
Lewis, J., Greenstock, J., Caldwell, K. and Anderson, B. (2015), "Working together to identify child maltreatment: social work and acute healthcare", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 302-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-08-2015-0032
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited