Child abuse : a study of inquiry reports 1980-1989

The 1980s saw an increase both in the reporting of child abuse and public awareness of the problem.

This report takes a broad look at the complexity of issues which have emerged from inquiries during this period.

It notes that there is no standard format for inquiries - issues which receive great emphasis on one report might not be mentioned in another.

Mistakes and tragedies of the past which feature in some inquiries have caused the creation of new policy advice and guidance, reflected in Working Together (1988) and The Children Act (1989).

This document will stimulate debate about issues in practice and management and is a useful source of reference to trainers, policy advisers, middle managers and social work academics in their task of developing and improving child protection services.