ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how dominant discourses have shaped social mandates and models of child protection, the ethical issues surrounding these, and the theoretical frameworks underpinning practice approaches. In effect, the type and level of service received hinged on the particular jurisdiction's dominant discourse about: first is the necessary extent of state intervention into the family; second is the degree of preference for voluntary involvement; and finally perceptions of problem severity. While aspects of all these approaches still remain in contemporary protective systems. The chapter refers to three types of MR: legislatively authorised, policy-based and contractually required reporting. It also describes some of the more influential theories. Family systems theory has particular relevance for child protection because it enables the underlying causes and processes eventuating in maltreatment to be identified. While it can aid understanding, it does not provide model interventions, instead requiring practitioners to creatively develop unique approaches for case situations.
