‘Sometimes the whole map is red’: applying geographical assessment methods to safeguard adolescents from harm in communities

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the opportunities of geographical child protection assessment methods for adolescents victimised in extra-familial contexts. Design: Presenting empirical evidence from an action research study within one child protection service in the UK, the study draws upon qualitative data from practice observations, case review, training and five context assessments. Findings: Safety mapping and neighbourhood observations provide options to assess extra-familial contexts. Findings reveal that these methods support practitioners to build local knowledge of areas supporting interventions into community places rooted in principles of child protection. Practical implications: The article highlights the need for further testing of contextual safeguarding approaches and policy guidance that outlines whose role it is to protect children in communities. Social implications: Geographical assessment methods provide a route to engage with young people’s lived experience of place. And develop interventions that target contexts and not just individuals affected by extra-familial harm. Originality: The article presents original research into the use of geographical assessment methods to be used within a child protection framework.