The concept of significant harm in law and practice

Harwin, Judith and Madge, Nicola (2010) The concept of significant harm in law and practice. Journal of Children's Services, 5 (2). pp. 73-83. ISSN 1746-6660

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Abstract

This article examines the value of the concept of significant harm some 20 years after its introduction in the Children Act 1989. It introduces the concept of significant harm and then discusses the profile of children and families in care proceedings, the decision-making process, the interpretation of significant harm in case law, 'panic' and its impact on patterns of referrals for case proceedings, and the issue of resources. An alternative model of the problem-solving court is outlined. It is suggested that 'significant harm' has largely stood the test of time. However, the absence of a clear operational definition is both its strength and its weakness. It allows necessary professional discretion but is vulnerable to external pressures affecting its interpretation. A more confident workforce and sufficient resources are required, but the future role of the court and compulsory care is more contentious. The problem-solving court model may offer a helpful way forward for the scrutiny of significant harm.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Children's Services
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3204
Subjects:
?? CARE PROCEEDINGSCHILDREN ACT 1989CHILDREN AND FAMILIESPARENTAL SUBSTANCE MISUSEPROBLEM-SOLVING COURTSSIGNIFICANT HARMEDUCATIONHEALTH(SOCIAL SCIENCE)LAWSOCIOLOGY AND POLITICAL SCIENCEDEVELOPMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY ??
ID Code:
84231
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
24 Jan 2017 11:26
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
17 Sep 2023 01:56