An investigation concerning the influences and knowledge employed by welfare practitioners and parents, when considering child maturity and risk assessment in (home alone) child supervision situations

Fisher, Pauline (2016) An investigation concerning the influences and knowledge employed by welfare practitioners and parents, when considering child maturity and risk assessment in (home alone) child supervision situations. Masters dissertation, University of Cumbria. Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

This study originates from concerns raised by a number of examples of children being harmed by either a direct lack of parental supervision, or by indirect state intervention, evident in both media and academic forums. This suggested some disharmony between the legislative requirements, the parental understanding, and welfare practitioner interpretations of minimum acceptable child supervision. The aim of this dissertation is to better understand the major influences on, and the de-facto practice of decision making with regard to parental supervision of children. This study critically examines and presents the results of (predominantly) quantitative research conducted with parental and welfare practitioner sample groups, within the region of West Cumbria, England. Current UK law regarding child supervision is neither definitive nor arbitrary, it is ambiguous. Indeed there is no prescriptive legislation with regard to the common parlance phrases “home alone”, “child maturity” or “likelihood of harm”. As a result of this, understanding of what is and what is not acceptable child supervision can vary between geographical, socio-political, or generational categories. This study initially investigates the understanding and practices of parents and welfare practitioners by evaluating their experiences, influences, knowledge base and values. The raw data obtained from the two disparate groups is collated and analysed to identify trends or deviations, and then assessed with regard to legislative requirements and compared to the Government endorsed charity guidelines. The study identified some commonality between the two control groups with respect to influences and decision making, and some deviation regarding awareness and identification of hazards. In addition it indicates a lack of in-depth knowledge of legislation, whilst reducing concerns of misinterpretation of guidelines as legal requirements.

Item Type:	Thesis/Dissertation (Masters)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS)
Additional Information:	Pauline Fisher is a Masters student at the Faculty of Department of Rehabilitation and Social Work, University of Cumbria.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2017 12:02
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 16:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3508