Sociology and Social Policy Dissertation: Child Protection and Disability (2011)
Child Protection and Disability Dissertation – The aim of dissertation is to explore the links between disability and abuse and to evaluate the role of social workers and social services departments in the protection of disabled children. Disabled children and children with disabilities are terms that will be used interchangeably.
The definition of abuse will relate to acts of physical, emotional abuse and neglect, with the acknowledgement that deliberate acts of abuse can and often are perpetrated by people of both sexes in a variety of different settings. Whilst it is recognised that discrimination and oppression are forms of abuse, the primary definition within this study relates to those actions or omissions that are commonly associated with or attract the term abuse.
Although the study will focus particularly upon children with physical disabilities, research evidence relating to children with learning difficulties will be presented where such is both relevant and appropriate. The study will not generally differentiate between those children who were either born with disabilities or acquired them via accident or illness and those for whom disability was entirely preventable and caused by abuse, although it is acknowledged that work in this area has already been conducted.
In attempting to make the study as broad and comprehensive as possible, I have focused on six separate though interrelated areas, each of which illustrates particular points and addresses fundamental issues relating to the abuse of disabled children.
The various theories and models of disability that have influenced policy and professional interventions with disabled people are discussed and evaluated in the social construction of disability. In many respects, this section maps out the academic terrain against which the subsequent study is set and where necessary, seeks to link ideology with policy and practice responses. Social work and disabled people explores the track record of social work in the provision of services and resources for disabled people in addition to outlining the implications of the Children Act 1989, in relation to children with disabilities.
An attempt is made to bring together a range of research evidence to demonstrate that disabled children are in no way sacrosanct, protected from abuse by taboo, but rather more vulnerable and at risk than their non-disabled counterparts. Social work and the child protection system, provides a brief historical account of contemporary child protection systems and reference is made to the various inquiries, research studies and governmental guidelines that have both influenced the creation of such systems and have served to shape and dictate professional interventions, within the overarching process of child protection.
- 10,000 words – 50 pages in length
- Excellent use of literature
- Good analysis of subject area
- Well written throughout
- Ideal for sociology students
Introduction
The Social Construction of Disability
Social Work and Disabled People
The Myths of Disability and Abuse
Social Work and the Child Protection System
The Abuse of Disabled Children
The Implications for Social Work
Conclusion
References
