Editorial: Child Care in Practice

Boyle, Clionagh (2018) Editorial: Child Care in Practice. Child Care in Practice, 34 (3). pp. 227-228. ISSN 1357-5279

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Abstract

This edition of Child Care in Practice explores a number of current research and practice issues which are at once diverse and interconnected. The professional challenges of making rights real, validating the perspectives and choices of children, young people, parents and caregivers is the focus of several articles. Some approach this with a legal or policy orientation, others consider the relational dimensions in practice. The evolving constructs of the child and family are raised by a number of authors and therefore it seems appropriate to begin with two articles which explore a historical perspective. McCaughren and McGregor’s (2017) article focuses on adoption in relation to permanency planning in Ireland and is a well-drawn example of how socio-cultural and historical context influences child policy development. Recent legal changes, particularly the 2012 Constitutional Referendum on Children’s Rights are considered in light of the history of adoption in Ireland in order to examine future possibilities for Ireland’s children in care. Key aspects of the Irish contextual picture are highlighted such as the traditional predominance of infant stranger adoptions and the social construction of the child and family within the Irish Constitution and legal system. Ireland’s movement towards the implementation of adoption as a care order is identified as an opportunity to critically reflect on adoption alongside other care options for children. In addition to an exploration of the Irish context, the authors point towards learning from international experience. Mooney’s (2017) article also emphasises the importance of reflecting on the past in order to move forward in both policy and practice. A detailed analysis is presented of the implications of the legal duty in Ireland under Section 3(1) of the Child Care Act 1991 which underpins the social worker’s responsibility to accept and assess retrospective reports of childhood sexual abuse.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Education
Depositing User:	Clionagh Boyle
Date Deposited:	05 May 2023 08:59
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2024 12:29
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/3916

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