'If kids don't feel safe they don't do anything': young people's views on seeking and receiving help from Children's Social Care Services in England. Issue 4 (27th April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jobe, Alison; Gorin, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Child & family social work. Volume 18:Issue 4(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2012-04-27
• Subjects: adolescence -- child protection (policy and practice) -- older children -- social work -- young people; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; 362.7
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00862.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-7500

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper presents findings from qualitative interviews with 24 young people (11–17 years) who have been referred to Children's Social Care Services in England. The paper explores young people's experiences of help seeking and their experiences of receiving help for maltreatment through statutory agencies. A central finding is the importance of relationships for young people when seeking and receiving help. It is through trusting relationships with professionals that young people are most likely to disclose maltreatment and/or engage with services. The paper concludes that young people's expectations and needs are not always met by the current safeguarding system and that the system needs to become more child‐centred if it is to address the concerns maltreated young people have consistently voiced through research.