The Beckford report: a critical appraisal

This paper provides a critical analysis of the Beckford Report and its implications for social work and the personal social services. Four interrelated themes are explored: the relationship between social work practice, statutory responsibilities and the law; the attitudes of social workers towards children and families; the social work skills required; and the assumptions that are made about child abuse and the role of social workers. This is then related to recent research findings in the area of policies and decision making in child care. It concludes by arguing that the report is in great danger of misdirecting our attentions from the major issues concerned with social work with children at risk.