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Children Protection, Politics and Procrastination: The Discourse of Deferral

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2017

Pamela D. Schulz
Pamela D. Schulz*
Affiliation:
School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at Magill and Adelaide, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Dr Pamela D. Schulz OAM, Senior Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at Magill and Adelaide, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. E-mail: pameladhs@bigpond.com, pamela.schulz@unisa.edu.au
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Abstract

The Discourse of Child Protection and its ensuing political responses are discussed here following a 6 month analysis of media platforms in which child protection reforms were recommended following child abuse and neglect reports. The headlines, in social and other media were analysed to identify the significant aspects of reactions to horrifying tales, stories and reports of child deaths, injuries and other abuses. Clear evidence emerges of a disturbing discourse of deferral and political inaction that is only relieved when inquiries and Royal Commissions advocate strong and immediate changes. In addition, this study shows that lacunae (or what is missing in text or discourse) show that the voice of children is only heard after the event of horrific abuse and often relies on whistle-blowers or advocates. Despite the warnings and research of many distinguished child protection academics a cycle emerges which needs to reflect community desires to protect children via legislation and stronger regulations. Further, some inquiries have indicated stronger regulation and training of beleaguered child welfare staff.

Keywords

child protectiondiscoursemedia analysispolitics
Type
Article
Information
Children Australia , Volume 43 , Issue 1 , March 2018 , pp. 13 - 22
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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