Manchester University Press Children’S Rights and Child Protection: Critical Times, Critical Issues in Ireland

This topical book comprehensively draws together diverse perspectives from key leaders in the field to address critical issues for children in relation to their rights, welfare and protection at a critical time in Ireland. The broad array of chapters addresses the changing and complex landscape of policy, practice and law. It discusses the politics of children's rights, the impact of child abuse within the catholic church, diverse approaches to service delivery and professional practice, the media and representations of child protection practice, and the relationship between research evidence and practice. The book illuminates the need for change within socio-political, Constitutional, legislative, and professional practice domains to enhance the safeguarding of children. It offers a critique of governance in children's services and identifies key barriers to fundamental progress in the area of children's rights and the protection of children. This original book fills a gap in publications in this area in Ireland. It is vital reading for academics, practitioners, managers, students and policy-makers, as well as being accessible to individuals with a broad interest in child welfare and protection. Its focus on Ireland is its strength; however, it will also be of interest to readers outside of Ireland as the themes addressed in the book are shared with other child welfare and protection systems across the world. Review "In the context of the recent Children's Rights referendum in Ireland and the debate, which surrounded it, this is a seminal book for the social work profession. It is an eclectic book, that looks at the various challenges that exist in the provision of children's and in particular child protection services in Ireland." "In summary, this was a very good book; it is interesting, insightful and educational as well as of practical significance and one that I have no hesitation in recommending it to social work practitioners and students of social work practice." About the Author Kenneth Burns is deputy course director of the Master of Social Work and a research associate with the Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century at University College Cork. Deborah Lynch is course director of the Master of Social Work and a research associate with the Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century at University College Cork.