title: A review of social factors in the investigation and assessment of non-accidental head injury to children.
abstract: Investigation and assessment work in non-accidental head injury cases is complex and challenging. This article discusses briefly the professional systems involved and the conditions necessary for effective practice. It then reviews briefly the literature on social factors in serious and fatal child abuse in order to provide a context for discussion of recent UK studies of non-accidental head injuries/shaken baby syndrome. The findings on social factors are compared and areas for further research are suggested. The article then considers how best to use the existing knowledge base about these cases within assessment frameworks currently in use and considers issues in presenting assessment conclusions to decision-makers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Dundee, Gardyne Road Campus, Dundee DD5 1NY, UK. e.ennis@dundee.ac.uk
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ennis
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Henry
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D038642:Shaken Baby Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom