Original articles |
An ethical approach to resolving value conflicts in child protection
1 Cardiff University, United Kingdom
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: webbev{at}cf.ac.uk.
Accepted 5 June 2009
Abstract
Child protection professionals working in diverse societies are regularly faced with value conflicts. Recognising these, and resolving them in the best interests of children, is a task that requires child protection specialists to make complex judgements and decisions.
In this paper we apply the philosophical concepts of absolutism and relativism to child abuse, and explore how this approach has practical relevance to solving ethical dilemmas in child protection. We conclude that children’s interests are best served by erring towards an absolutist approach to the diagnosis and recognition of maltreatment and towards a relativistic approach in determining how services respond to a harmful incident or situation.
Absolutism and relativism are not alternatives, but part of a continuous process of recognising and negotiating ever-changing community, national, and global norms. At the service level the dichotomy transpires into the need to be culturally competent in handling the conflicting needs, rights and values of children, families, communities, and professionals, whilst retaining the skill of child advocacy.
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