New publication explores meaningful change in child protection systems
On 25 August, colleagues, students and partners gathered to celebrate the launch of Trajectories of Change in Child Protection Systems, a new edited volume by Marie Connolly and Ilan Katz. The event brought together members of the Department of Social Work and the broader child and family welfare community to mark the publication of a book that examines how child protection systems evolve, reform and sustain change across different international contexts.
The publication reflects the combined expertise of two internationally recognised scholars in child welfare and child protection. Marie Connolly, an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department of Social Work and former Head of Department, has spent decades advising governments and organisations around the world on child protection reform and system development. Ilan Katz, a leading child and family policy researcher, has worked extensively on child protection, family welfare and social policy. Together, they have brought together international contributors to explore the challenges of creating child protection systems that are both effective and sustainable. The book argues that meaningful and enduring change requires more than repeated cycles of review and reform; it requires a deeper understanding of how systems change over time and the factors that support lasting improvement.
The launch provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a significant scholarly achievement, but also to reflect on the Department’s longstanding contribution to child welfare research and practice. As noted by Cathy Humphreys, it was “a wonderful event” for the Department of Social Work, and an occasion to acknowledge the promotion of Louise Harms to President of the Academic Board and Pro-Vice Chancellor. The evening highlighted the importance of research that engages with real-world social challenges and reinforces the Department’s commitment to generating knowledge that informs policy, practice and positive change for children and families.
