Developing Neighbourhood Support and Child Protection Strategies: The Henley Safe Children Project

Published in 1998, the book provides a useful contribution to current debates on social exclusion, the regeneration of communities and the refocusing of crisis driven child protection services to family support and the prevention of harm. It stresses the need for interagency strategies of: - neighbourhood and family support - action with young people for a safer environment - principles of partnership with communities - positive action to build on the strengths of families and communities, drawing on their own resources and expertise The detailed account of work to develop such strategies in one neighbourhood will be of value to policy makers, managers and practitioners. The book gives an overview of conditions associated with harm and abuse of children and approaches which can be successful in preventing harm. It documents experience and views of parents - mainly mothers - attempting to bring up their children in health and safety in a severely disadvantaged area. It argues for practical recognition of the links between disadvantage and individual harm, and the need for community development approaches to improve the life chances of children and families.