ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses upon investigations of alleged child abuse and other mistreatment which are undertaken by HCPs of all descriptions (e.g., psychiatrists, social workers, GP’s, psychologists, family therapists, and the like). The child is perhaps best described as a ‘limited patient’ 1 —he has been examined/interviewed by HCPs who have been engaged to do so by health authorities or local authorities, pursuant to a statutory framework for child protection. If, as a result of a negligently-conducted investigation, an assessment of abuse or neglect is made and the HCPs conclude (incorrectly) that the wrongdoing against the child was perpetrated by a parent or other guardian, this can lead to tragic and unfortunate circumstances—for the wrongfully-accused, as well as for the child—often predicated upon an enforced separation of the parties.
