ABSTRACT

In this chapter we introduce our central thesis and provide an outline of the core principles that inform it. Fundamental to our analysis is the reality of the now well recognized systemic failure of the child protection systems that operate in Anglophone countries and their underlying paradigm. We describe the elements of this paradigm and outline in some detail how an alternative and effective system of child well-being could work to support children, parents, families, and communities, as well as providing a safe haven for children for whom care within their birth family is no longer possible. We also recognize that this is a work in progress and that there is further effort to be done in fleshing out the conceptual framework so that it can be operationalized in the day-to-day practice of service providers. The first half of the book consists of a critique of contemporary Anglophone child protection systems and practice. In the second half we propose a new framework and explain the components of this. Values are at the core of each of the elements of the comprehensive model that we put forward.