ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe and outline the growth of government guidance on child protection from 1974 to date, with particular consideration of the period since the late 1990s. This analysis provides important insights into the changing nature of child protection policy and practice during the period in terms of its priorities, focus and organisation. By the end of the chapter you will:
N discover that the guidance has grown enormously in length, detail and complexity during this period;
N understand that the object of concern has shifted from ‘non-accidental injury’ to ‘child abuse’ to ‘safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children’ and more recently to ‘child protection’;
N appreciate government moves to decrease bureaucracy and regulation.
