Uncivil liberties: The politics of care for younger people

Abstract

In the UK, USA and Australia, professional concerns have been expressed about the corruption of legitimate forms of therapeutic intervention. The misapplication of established techniques, and increased use of unevaluated methods, has increased public concern. The escalation of interest, after public investigation of whole service systems, has renewed calls for improved legislation and monitoring of provision. Absolute guarantees are difficult to provide, however, and real reforms will be achieved via social legislation and casework litigation.