Lay understanding and perceptions of child protection: Limited awareness of restorative principles

Background

Child protection (CP) systems and practitioners are subject to harsh public scrutiny. However, it is unclear whether the general public understand the nuanced functions of CP, such as the restorative interventions embedded in practice which aim to reunify and support families. A lack of understanding may be contributing to poor perceptions of this service. Additionally, the psychological literature suggests that lay people may expect CP to act punitively towards parents who harm children; such retributive expectations would conflict with the non-retributive purpose of CP.

Objective

We explored lay people's A Priori understanding of the role of CP and tested public understanding of the risk factors for child abuse. We also examined how demographic factors (i.e., age, political orientation, and income) influence endorsement of retributive practices.

Participants and setting

Participants were 188 first-year psychology students at a mid-sized Australian university in Victoria (M = 29.47, SD = 11.06).

Methods

The study utilised a mixed-methods design. Open-ended questions and a knowledge quiz explored participants' understanding of CP, and closed-ended questions probed people's prioritisation of retributive and restorative justice.

Findings

Participants were knowledgeable about some of the broader responsibilities of CP, however they had far less understanding of restorative elements of practice. We did not find significant correlations between demographic factors and retributive views.

Conclusion

Understanding about CP's responsibilities was basic, with knowledge about restorative practices being particularly low. If the community have limited awareness of the restorative frameworks underpinning CP practice, this will undermine support for CP and its practitioners in the long term.