Social welfare framework: Current trends in child protection

In the late 1990s, statutory child protection services within Australian States/Territories, like those of other western countries, struggled to cope with ever-increasing numbers of reports of suspected child maltreatment and fewer resources (Tomison, 1996e). These pressures, some caused or exacerbated by an over-emphasis on cost effectiveness and bureaucratic structures at the expense of professional practice led governments and child protection services to seek alternative solutions. It can be argued that it was the recognition that traditional child protection services could not, in isolation, prevent child maltreatment that provided a climate favourable to the prevention initiatives described above.