Social policy "is based upon a distinct empirical focus- the support and well-being through social action" (Alcock et al 1998).

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        Social policy “is based upon a distinct empirical focus- the support and well-being through social action.”  (Alcock et al 1998).  It draws upon the methods and understandings involved in many social science disciplines e.g. sociology, economics and politics and is founded in many areas of society e.g. child welfare.  This example focuses on children who are in need of care and /or protection for many different reasons.  It incorporates many entities, for example education, health and child protection and is an extremely important area considering that 23% of the U.K. is children. (Alcock et al 1998).  It is obvious therefore that children are the main consumers of social policy.

This assignment will explore the area of child protection; identify the major issues facing European countries whilst taking into consideration factors such as power, oppression and cultural, institutional and ideological influences.  Furthermore it will assess and compare the responses of the U.K. and France in their policy making and their implications on social work.

“Undoubtedly the most significant development in childcare policy in Britain over the past twenty-five years has been the preoccupation with child abuse.” (Alcock et al 1998).  Moreover it can be suggested that this increase in concern can be seen in all major European countries and constitutes a major key issue in this area of social policy.  This concern has not only been emphasised through the formal and legal frameworks of society but also by the general public.  Adams, R. reiterates this by stating that emotional and physical abuse are now subjects of “greater public concern” and continues by stating that, “child sex abuse has emerged as a widespread problem.” (Adams, R. 2002).  

As stated above the rise in concern has been evident from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  It is from then that child abuse has become identified as a “social problem” (Alcock et al 1998) mainly through high-publicised cases of child abuse victims.  The high profile case of Maria Colwell who died in 1973 after serious injuries were inflicted upon her at her home whilst under the supervision of social services demonstrates this point effectively.  Even today 30 years on this case is still being analysed and discussed.

        When identifying the key issues within child protection it is important to grapple with the concept of ‘balance’.  This is a main concern for all countries who find themselves victims of either jumping in too quickly with over zealous assumptions, or on the other hand holding off too long and in the end delaying intervention until in some cases it is too late.  Ultimately this concept, which leads on to the third key issue of this topic, depends on how the society views relationships between the state, family and child.  Cooper, A. in his study comparing childcare policies in France and the U.K. noted that these relationships are “specific to the particular political and historical conditions” (Cooper, a. 1994) which govern a country’s policy.  Therefore allowing for changes in policies and differences between countries.  A fourfold classification to make sense of the differences was put forward by Fox Harding, L. (1996).  This typology recognises that the four positions have been influential to different degrees and emphasises that they are not stagnant but can blend into one another.  The first position known as ‘laissez-faire and patriarchy’ demonstrates the view that the state should have a minimal role within the family and should only intervene in extreme circumstances.  This position has been held in the Republic of Ireland for many years and is only recently being challenged.  ‘State paternalism and child protection’ is the second perspective, which prevailed in the U.K. in the 1970’s and 1980’s.  It entails extensive state intervention to protect children, concentrates on the child’s welfare being paramount and focuses on planning for a permanent home for the child.  The current French system resembles the third position, which is known as ‘the modern defence of the birth family and parents rights’.  It is also the position that the U.K. is aiming for a present.  Here, “state intervention is legitimated, but this intervention is seen as ideally of a supportive kind helping to defend and preserve birth families.” (Fox Harding, L.1996).  Finally the fourth perspective focuses on ‘children’s rights and liberation’, by advocating the child as an independent person with independent rights.  The change in policy in the U.K., with the Children’s Act 1989, implemented more rights for the child thus embracing the start of a new relationship between the child and the state.

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Ultimately these relationship frameworks depend on the country and the political and developmental stage it is at.  It is empirical however to analyse them as they are the basis of understanding each country’s policy responses.  Some of these frameworks will be discussed when analysing the policies of France and the U.K. along with some of the factors that have influenced them.

“Any major piece of legislation develops in response to a variety of influences.” (Hill, M. and Aldgate, J. 1996).  In the U.K. for example, the Children’s Act 1989 was the result of a number of influential factors.  One of ...

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