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‘Both/and’ not ‘either/or’: reconciling rights to protection and participation in working with child sexual exploitation

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posted on 2023-06-09, 15:42 authored by Michelle LefevreMichelle Lefevre, Kristine HickleKristine Hickle, Barry Luckock
Analysis of data from a two-year evaluation of the piloting of a child-centred framework for addressing child sexual exploitation (CSE) in England revealed an intrinsic practice dilemma, whereby many practitioners experienced profound ontological, ethical, emotional and intellectual dilemmas in reconciling young people’s rights to voice, privacy and autonomy with their rights to safety, guidance and protection. ‘No-win’ scenarios left practitioners in a ‘double-bind’, whereby acting protectively might alienate a young person, paradoxically encouraging them to engage in further risky behaviours. An individual commitment to child-centred and participatory approaches, relational practice and reflective use of self was found to support professionals in exploring this tension with young people themselves, involving them as partners in reducing the risk of exploitation. However, practitioners will struggle to achieve this without manageable workloads, good supervision and organisational support for the emotional content of the work. Transformational learning is required across the disciplinary practice systems to achieve a more integrated practice of ‘both/and’ thinking and feeling. The tensions between protection and participation can then be surfaced in a way that is constructive rather than divisive.

Funding

Putting the child at the heart of child protection: Piloting and Evaluating the "See Me Hear Me" Framework; G1498; CHILDREN'S COMMISSIONER FOR ENGLAND

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

The British Journal of Social Work

ISSN

0045-3102

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Issue

7

Volume

49

Page range

1837-1855

Department affiliated with

  • Social Work and Social Care Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-11-01

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-12-06

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-11-01

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