The increasing length and complexity of central government guidance about child abuse in England: 1974-2010

The purpose of this paper is to describe and outline the growth of government guidance on child protection in England from 1974 to 2010. In the process it will be suggested that such analysis provides important insights into the changing nature of child protection policy and practice during the period in terms of its priorities, focus and organisation. What becomes apparent is not only that the guidance has grown enormously in length, detail and complexity but also that the object of concern has shifted from ‘non-accidental injury’, to ‘child abuse’ to ‘safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children’.