ABSTRACT
We have outlined how a social movement based upon a broad community mandate expressing concern for children and families and their well-being has developed over time to be called “child protection,” and the manner in which the underlying ideologies and values have altered to produce and shape the social institutions and professional practice established to respond to these anxieties (Ferguson 2004; Merrick 2006). We now turn to critically examine the nature of the structures, cultures, processes and practices of the organizations given the difficult tasks of surveilling the population, particularly those sections considered “dangerous,” and intervening to ensure the safety and well-being of children deemed vulnerable to child abuse and neglect-those “at risk.”
