Exploring Child Welfare Workers’ Experiences with Neglect Cases: A Qualitative Study

Conceptualisation of child neglect: A Ghanaian practice narrative

“…Although a standardised threshold for intervening in child neglect issues is contested in some countries (Dickens, 2007; O’Donnell et al, 2008; Platt and Turney, 2014), Ghana’s Children’s Act stipulates that action has to be taken once an issue is reported. As mandatory and primary reporters of child neglect in Ghana, it is imperative to explore parents’ conceptualisation of neglect since their understanding will influence their reporting of such issues to child welfare authorities for support (Delong-Hamilton et al, 2016). Therefore, this suggests that there will be a consensus regarding what is described as child neglect from the perspectives of parents and child welfare professionals (herein after Practitioners) to aid child protection practice and ensure better outcomes for children.…”

“…Yet the multidimensional nature of child neglect and the limited empirical evidence to substantiate the occurrence of neglect have been identified as major factors hindering the attainment of a consensual definition (Allin et al, 2005; Dubowitz et al, 2004; Mennen et al, 2010; Stoltenborgh et al, 2013). This is further compounded by the fact that neglect is influenced by cultural, economic and social factors (Delong-Hamilton et al, 2016; Lonne, 2015). The lack of consensus for its definition is likely to impact children who are in need of protection as Practitioners, parents and caregivers might have a different understanding of what constitutes child neglect.…”

“…Even though consensus has not been achieved regarding the definition of child neglect, various scholars and policy makers have stated definitions congruent with their culture and context of practice (Delong-Hamilton et al, 2016; Dubowitz, 2012; Moran, 2009). Major definitions provided by researchers have centred on parental omissions in care, failure to provide for children’s basic needs, and child malfunctioning (Delong-Hamilton et al, 2016; Dubowitz et al, 2000). The U.S.…”

Towards Culturally Specific Solutions: Evidence from Ghanaian Kinship Caregivers on Child Neglect Intervention

“…The multidimensional nature of neglect, the insidious nature of its effects and the lack of empirical evidence to substantiate the occurrence of neglect are factors hindering the achievement of a consensus definition (Mennen et al, 2010). The difficulty in intervening in child neglect issues is compounded by the fact that neglect is influenced by culture, community beliefs and norms (DeLong‐Hamilton et al, 2016). The majority of child neglect definitions centre on parental omission in care and a failure to provide the basic needs of children, which has a high probability of causing significant harm to the child (DeLong‐Hamilton et al, 2016; Dubowitz, 2013).…”

“…The difficulty in intervening in child neglect issues is compounded by the fact that neglect is influenced by culture, community beliefs and norms (DeLong‐Hamilton et al, 2016). The majority of child neglect definitions centre on parental omission in care and a failure to provide the basic needs of children, which has a high probability of causing significant harm to the child (DeLong‐Hamilton et al, 2016; Dubowitz, 2013). Research has highlighted that the professionalisation of neglect assessment has the risk of imposing standards that exclude rather than engage families in change (Thorpe, 2007).…”