The Future of Child Protection: How to Break the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect

Waldfogel, Jane

ISBN 10: 0674007239 / ISBN 13: 9780674007239

Published by Harvard Univ Pr, 2001

About this Item

296 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.75 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-0674007239

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Future of Child Protection: How to Break the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect
• Publisher: Harvard Univ Pr
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674007239
• ISBN 13: 9780674007239
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.43 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Lisa Steinberg. Elisa Izquierdo. Lance Helms. These are just a few of the names drawn from recent headlines, revealing cases of horrendous child abuse and neglect. Such cases have led to a crisis of confidence in the current child protective services (CPS) system, and to frequent calls for reform.

The public is right to be concerned, shows Jane Waldfogel, but many perceptions of the CPS system and the problems it is designed to alleviate are inaccurate. This book goes beyond the headlines, using historical, comparative, and specific case data to formulate a new approach to protecting children.

Currently, Waldfogel argues, the CPS system is overwhelmed by referrals. As a result, neither high-risk nor low-risk families are adequately served.

Waldfogel examines the underlying assumptions of CPS, compares the U.S. record with those of Britain, Canada, and Australia, and offers a "new paradigm" in which CPS joins with other public and private partners to provide a differential response to the broad range of children in need of protection. She highlights reforms underway in several states and in Britain.

This book's analytical clarity and straightforward policy recommendations will make it mandatory reading for policymakers, practitioners, and others interested in the future of child protection.

About the Author

Jane Waldfogel is Professor of Social Work and Public Affairs at Columbia University.