Policy Press

Safeguarding Young People Beyond the Family Home

Responding to Extra-Familial Risks and Harms

By Carlene Firmin, Michelle Lefevre, Nathalie Huegler and Delphine Peace

Published

Oct 13, 2022

Page count

146 pages

ISBN

978-1447367253

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Oct 13, 2022

Page count

146 pages

ISBN

978-1447367277

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Safeguarding Young People Beyond the Family Home
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EPDF and EPUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

During adolescence, young people are exposed to a range of risks beyond their family homes including sexual and criminal exploitation, peer-on-peer abuse and gang-related violence. However, it has only been over the past two decades that the critical safeguarding implications of these harms have started to be recognised. Social care organisations are increasingly experimenting with new approaches but continue to experience challenges in supporting affected young people and their families.

This book analyses the results of the first rapid evidence assessment of social care organisations’ responses to risks and harms outside the home across 10 countries. The authors highlight key areas for service development, give insights into how these risks and harms can be understood, and consider wider implications for policy and practice.

“This book is a must-read for policy and practice responses for promoting the welfare of children living in environments with heightened risk of extra-familial harms.” Claudia Bernard, Goldsmiths, University of London

“This excellent book outlines research into contextual safeguarding and skilfully challenges contemporary assumptions about child protection. It is a must-read for practitioners and policymakers.” David Shemmings, University of Kent and Royal Holloway, University of London

“This book makes a timely and pivotal contribution to safeguarding young people from extra-familial risks, providing clear messages based on international learning of how we can all work to protect children from harms outside the family home.” Christine Barter, University of Central Lancashire

Carlene Firmin is Professor of Social Work at Durham University.

Michelle Lefevre is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex.

Nathalie Huegler is Research Fellow in Social Work and Social Care at the University of Sussex.

Delphine Peace is Researcher at Durham University.

1. The emerging concept of extra-familial risks and harms

2. A framework for analysing the evidence

3. Building relationships

4. Improving interagency collaboration

5. Changing contexts of harm

6. Addressing the specific dynamics of risk and harm

7. A youth-centred paradigm

8. A framework for designing and improving responses

9. New directions for the UK and beyond