Press Reviews

• Ray Jones, Professor of Social Work, Kingston University and St George's, University of London

  This is a book which is informed by the head and the heart. It explores what underlay and drove the media and political frenzy of the 'Baby P story', which unjustly and wrongly blamed and vilified Shoesmith and her colleagues and undermined and distorted child protection and social work. Of great relevance to all who work with children and families, hopefully it will be read widely and lessons will be learned by the press and politicians who wielded power without wisdom or integrity.

• Nigel Parton, Professor in Applied Childhood Studies, University of Huddersfield, England

  A detailed and thoroughly engrossing read which succeeds in extending our understanding of the case of Peter Connelly and, more particularly, the socio-emotional, political and media responses to his tragic death and the 'scandal' which was to unfold. Should be read by everyone with an interest in child abuse and how we can begin to seriously address the challenges involved in improving child protection policy and practice.

• Ruth Smith, Publisher, Community Care

  A cogent, compelling analysis of the blame culture in social work. Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand, reflect and learn from the responses to the high profile familial homicide of Peter Connelly.

• Andrew Cooper, Professor of Social Work, The Tavistock Centre and University of East London

  This is a very serious and important work of professional and academic scholarship. Sharon Shoesmith is in no way pursuing a personal agenda. Rather, through rigorous and evidence based analysis she discloses the cultural and social conditions that allowed, and still allow, social workers to shoulder the blame for events that actually require sophisticated and thoughtful understanding if we are to learn from the tragedy of Peter Connelly's death. An essential resource for our profession in the struggle to promote and defend the role of social work in modern child welfare and protection.

• Patrick Butler, Social Policy Editor, The Guardian

  At the heart of this formidable, authoritative book is a forensic account of a modern day political witch hunt.

• Andrea Morris, Locality Director, Children’s Services, Devon County Council

  Research, Policy and Planning

  The emotional, financial and reputational impact on Sharon Shoesmith and on the other workers who lost their jobs as a result of Baby Peter's death is graphically described, but so too is the careful examination of society's wish in effect to sanitise familial child homicide. It is easier to publicly blame and humiliate workers (who were working to protect children) than it is to accept that a mother has either caused or allowed her child to die.

• Journal of Social Work Practice

  The book is a brave and significant contribution to knowledge surrounding contemporary child and family social work and the reasons for adopting this approach are understandable given the level of scrutiny and abuse Shoesmith has already experienced via some aspects of the media and general public. I would recommend this book to social work students, academics (politics, social work, social policy - and other public services, including teachers, health workers.). It offers an invaluable insight into social work with children and families and a unique insight into the challenges involved in the sector. Taking a challenging experience and using this to produce a valuable contribution to knowledge is something to be commended.