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Protecting Children in a Globalized World

‘Race’ and ‘Place’ in the Laming Report on the Death of Victoria Climbié

National University of Ireland, Republic of Ireland

Summary: In Britain, the Laming Report has provided a lengthy exploration of the circumstances surrounding the death of Victoria Climbié and highlighted the failure of social work, health and police services to safeguard the child. However, the Report fails to engage in a satisfactory way with issues related to ‘race’ and ‘place’.

Findings: It is maintained that the Report’s approach to ‘race’ is cursory and problematic. Furthermore, it is argued that ‘place’ and, more specifically, transnational migration is a core, but insufficiently examined, dimension to the tragedy. Important also, in terms of the Report’s limited engagement with these issues, is the evolution of a neo-liberal order in which migrants to Britain are viewed with suspicion and are the focus of legislation and policy discourses which are increasingly punitive.

Applications: The article seeks to promote debate on the issues raised and emphasizes the significance, for social work and associated child welfare professionals, of issues related to ‘race’ and ‘place’.

Key Words: migrants • New Labour • ‘political correctness’ • transnational mobility

Journal of Social Work, Vol. 6, No. 3, 315-336 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1468017306071179


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