ABSTRACT
The phrase 'The Welfare of the Child is paramount' is probably enshrined in every set of child protection guidelines. An abused child has the right to be the primary client, to be facilitated in a face-to-face way, to make sense of what has happened and, in spite of the trauma, helped to become a survivor. To achieve this, workers will have to be prepared to stay with the child's pain, to experience the confusion and work through the sadness and the anger, in order to encourage healing and foster development. There will be a percentage of children who are so disturbed that they need the skills of a child therapist or psychiatrist. However the majority of abused children can get considerable help from a trained social worker or a committed worker in one of the caring professions provided the worker is supervised and supported.
