ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the dominant perspectives that have shaped contemporary Western approaches to protecting children. From the discussion of the emerging discourse on child protection, three dominant perspectives have emerged. First is a child protection orientation, second is a family service orientation and finally, a child-focused orientation. Child-focused orientation emphasising children's rights and social investment seems to be in the ascendancy across many countries. However, it can morph into a narrow child protection rescue approach in particular contexts where neoliberal concerns to roll back state responsibilities for support for families are dominant. An array of alternative oppositional perspectives are to be found emphasising that people are all, children included, relational beings. These stress the importance of developing systems that do not further oppress the most marginalised in the societies. Child protection processes need to be highly attuned to ensuring such processes act to heal and repair, rather than intimidate and rupture precious identities and bonds.
