Well-being in early childhood: Protecting young children at risk of abuse and neglect

This webinar marked the publication of the second review from our Changing face of early childhood series, led by Carey Oppenheim. Drawing on research funded by the Foundation, the review addresses key questions about how the systems set up to protect children at risk of abuse and neglect in England and Wales, can be improved though changes to policy and practice. It explores the implications of current changes, including the impact of COVID-19, on young children’s lives now and in the future. Through critically appraising a large and complex body of evidence, the review highlights connections and tensions, as well as gaps and uncertainties.

Following a presentation of the evidence from the Review’s authors, Jordan Rehill and Carey Oppenheim, we heard from Andrew Webb, former President of the Association of the Directors of Children’s Services and member of the Governing Board of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.

To find out more about our work in early childhood, please read the introduction and first review of our Changing face of early childhood series.

Our Changing face of early childhood series seeks to generate an informed debate on early childhood based on what the collective evidence tells us. It draws on an extensive body of work funded by the Nuffield Foundation and undertaken by a range of researchers from different disciplines, alongside other key studies. In addition to publishing a series of robust and accessible evidence reviews, we are providing a forum for further engagement through our events programme and additional commentary on our website.

We value input and feedback on the series as it progresses and the responses we receive will inform the concluding review. Ultimately, we want this series to contribute to significant and lasting change for young children and their families. We are interested to hear your feedback on the questions raised in our series.

We will be using Zoom for this webinar. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Molly Imrie, Events & Communications Officer (mimrie@nuffieldfoundation.org)