"We are very vulnerable to nice, glossy packages and good sales talk. But how relevant are these packages to us?" she asks.
Thoburn is about to embark on a study of children in care in the developed world, her last major piece of research before retiring (Children Now, 4-17 August). She points out that it is easy for politicians to seize on methodology that works in other countries, and hopes her study will give policy-makers and fellow academics a better understanding of the similarities - and differences - in the way countries approach the care of vulnerable children.
While the UK has been happy to adopt practices from Australia, the US and New Zealand - parenting classes and case conferencing are two examples - the language barrier may have prevented us from learning from our nearer, European neighbours, she says.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
