ABSTRACT
Family and child welfare policy and practice reflect society’s organised concern about the intrinsic worth of the child and the family, and the rights of the child as a developing person and citizen. Child welfare systems are often described as providing a ‘continuum’ of services and supports for children affected by child abuse and other related problems. Despite the broader long-term trends, there can be significant variations between jurisdictions based upon the drawing of thresholds. In Australia, as is the case overseas, child protection systems are reviewed periodically. A major driver of policy change has been a series of child abuse tragedies and alleged negligent practice. Public health approaches underscore the importance of extending the focus of child protection responses from detection of cases and removal to out-of-home care to prevention. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
