Safeguarding and Mental Health Support in Contemporary Childhood: How the Deserving/Undeserving Paradigm from the Past Overshadows the Present

This book explores the historical and contemporary factors that contribute to the legacy of the "deserving/undeserving paradigm" in safeguarding and mental health in childhood, focusing on the most disadvantaged children who have spent time in care and have complex mental health needs. It highlights how complex needs, financial cuts, and ever-changing thresholds impact support and interventions for these children and families.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Approaches to safeguarding and mental health in childhood have been in a state of continuous evolution, framed within a critical realist ontology. This comprehensive book offers insightful perspectives on the causal factors (individual, material, institutional) and social structures that shape the enduring legacy of the 'deserving/undeserving paradigm'. By drawing on historical data from children taken into care by the Waifs and Strays Society (1881–1918) and contemporary data from interviews with young care leavers and safeguarding practitioners/professionals, this book reveals how certain children and families have historically missed out on support and interventions due to complex needs, financial cuts, and ever-changing thresholds.

The primary focus of this book is on a group of children referred to as 'victims,' a term used to describe the most disadvantaged children who have experienced time in care, have complex mental health needs, and have had the most detrimental pre-care family experiences. This book underscores that in the face of increasing access thresholds and resource cuts, a resurgence of the 'deserving/undeserving paradigm' reflects a contemporary justification regarding who is entitled to help and who is not.

This book is of immense interest to scholars and students across various disciplines, including social work, social policy, childhood studies, sociology, and education policy. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape the well-being of children and families, shedding light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities for positive change in the field.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367000912