| Summary: Examines whether a restricted knowledge base contributes to social workers missing or misjudging signs of child maltreatment, such as in the cases of Victoria Climbie and Peter Connelly (Baby P). Considers whether the evidence suggesting that social workers are resistant to developing new ways of working is fair. Proposes an approach to developing expert knowledge and engaging with the inter-professional knowledge base. Suggests that three elements need to be in place in order for social workers to deliver an expert service: observation skills, knowledge to guide observation and then interpret what is observed, and a systems approach. |
