ABSTRACT
In the final chapter of Part 3, the Contextual Safeguarding framework first introduced in chapter 6 is revisited, and the extent to which it offered enough guidance as well as freedom to those engaged in testing is considered. Work to date has demonstrated that the intentions (underlying values) of the Contextual Safeguarding framework weren’t necessarily evident in the four domains below. Test work, especially in virtual sites, demonstrated that core values, including a belief that social rules could change, that there was a relationship between choice and contexts, and that contextual harm was both the cause and consequence of inequality, all required emphasis. Further to this, given some of the criticisms of child protection systems more broadly, Domain 2 of the framework required greater consideration. Emphasising the need to look through both a strengths-based and children’s rights lens when applying the approach has achieved this to date. Drawing on these two points of reflection, Firmin redesigns the Contextual Safeguarding framework to visualise its current and potential future state, with the underpinning values and lens for application in place.
