ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the contextual significance in the cases and in particular the influence of the 'risk aversive' professional culture. The relationship between child maltreatment, aspects of parenting, and parental breakdown, provides more than just a backdrop. It should illuminate the emotive, insecure environment and the consequent pressure it brings to both parents and professionals. The contextual influence on client-professional relationships obviously extends beyond social workers to other professionals including experts. The terms emanating from the Children Act 1989 such as 'significant harm' and 'good enough parenting' are referred to as socially constructed. Attachment is essentially the 'affectional bond' between the child and the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver's social and emotional response to the infant's need for safety, security and protection is seen as crucial and underpinning the child's developmental process. Attachment theory is explored in terms of its crucial influence on children's development and the enhancing qualities of 'secure attachment' in particular.
