Practitioners' experiences and perceptions of investigating allegations of institutional abuse

Abstract

This article is based upon an exploratory study of practitioners' experiences of investigating allegations of institutional child abuse (Barter, 1998). The research involved interviewing all NSPCC child protection practitioners and managers in England or Wales who had been involved in an investigation between 1994 and 1996. Overall, 41 interviews were undertaken and details from 36 investigation reports were analysed. The research found that many professionals perceived these kinds of investigations as being particularly difficult and problematic, especially in respect to maintaining independence, determining the remit and scope of inquiry and ensuring the provision of adequate and appropriate support. The lack of agreed guidelines and protocols, particularly in relation to post‐substantiation procedures, made these investigations especially challenging. In addition, participants also identified a range of factors that differentiated these forms of investigations from intra‐familial ones, including discretion in child‐rearing practices, the irrelevance of mitigating circumstances and the extent of administrative culpability. A number of tentative recommendations based on the research findings are presented which seek to ensure that investigations are undertaken in the most sensitive and appropriate manner possible. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Setting ’Em Up’: Personal, Familial and Institutional Grooming in the Sexual Abuse of Children

“…The latter criticisms have been made in particular within the context of sexual abuse within churches or faith communities (Berry, 1992;Nolan, 2001). These factors are confirmed by the available literature on the prevalence of abuse within child care institutions which suggests that, predominantly, the complaints appear to be of a sexual nature, involving both boys and girls, and that the majority have not been reported (Gallagher, 1998;Barter, 1999).…”

Walking Children Through a Minefield: How Professionals Experience Exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences

“…In five studies, participants doubted if they should lead the child into the minefield if they were unsure they could walk the child to safety ( Barter, 1999 ; Engh Kraft et al, 2016 ; O’Malley et al, 2013 ; Ramachandran et al, 2013 ; Sikes et al, 2012 ). One professional explained the situation as follows: “You can’t just give child abuse or domestic violence a prescription and make it better; you can’t scan it away, radiate away, so they won’t ask” ( O’Malley et al, 2013 , p. 277).…”

“…The participants in all studies searched for ways to increase the predictability of their actions and reduce their fear of making it worse. In addition to improved competence, the participants requested follow-up information after reporting to CPS in three studies ( Barter, 1999 ; Konijnendijk et al, 2014 ; Kraft & Eriksson, 2015 ). Information about outcomes of their actions could help the participants maneuver through a similar minefield in the future.…”

A Life Less Ordinary: Foster Carers' Views and Experiences of Negative Peer Interactions in Fostering Households

“…Although no specific research has been undertaken on negative peer interactions in fostering households (Kendrick, ), a small number of studies have examined the incidence of violence and abuse through analysis of official reports. However, these predominately relate to allegations against adults and are likely to underestimate incidents of peer violence which often fail to be officially reported (Barter, ). Given the findings explored later in this paper on the association between foster placement breakdowns and peer violence, this seems a probable supposition.…”