The investigative turn and flaws in the child protection evidence base

Andy Bilson will discuss the findings of his recent research on child protection systems and the implications for children's services reform

Andy Bilson is Emeritus Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire, adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia and visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge. He is co-chair of the Parents Families and Allies Network. Prior to becoming a professor, he was assistant director of social work in Fife and director of the Council of Europe’s observatory on children’s rights

He has undertaken international research and consultancy on child rights and alternatives to care with many governments and organisations. He currently focusses on child protection trends and policy, critical evaluation of the child protection evidence base, and on parent advocacy in child protection. He is co-author of the British Association of Social Workers’ practice guide on Fabricated and Induced Illness.

Andy will present his research into the extent of children’s use of services across the UK including new and, as yet unpublished findings in England and Northern Ireland. This will be situated in the context of the Investigative turn in Anglo American child protection systems and will include his research in Western Australia into the relationship between social work intervention and harm to children. He will also discuss his research into flaws in the evidence base in child protection and how these impact on policies and procedures including his work on Bruises, Fabricated or Induced Illness and, with colleagues in Cambridge on the “Toxic Trio”.

He will then consider the implications of this for the current government plans for reform of children’s social care.

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This event is part of Contemporary issues and debates in social work education, research and practice.