Based on both research and practice, this book provides a comprehensive picture of the success, fairness and significance of child protection services for children, parents and individuals. It approaches the problem of child abuse from the various perspectives of those affected (abused children and young people, parents and professionals) and provides information on the characteristics of those who sexually abuse children, including a discussion of the origins of exploitative sexuality. In addition, the authors look at how professionals are responding to or failing to respond to child abuse, multi-disciplinary collaboration, the benefits and shortcomings of prevention and self-help and the changing legal context within which they work as they illustrate the need to develop policies and practices which recognise the importance of protecting children who have been harmed as well as the significance of preventing such harm occurring.
