Example health and social care dissertation topic 2:

Reviewing failure – The lessons to be learned from Baby P.

The failures of Haringey Borough Council that contributed to the death of Baby P have already been well documented and it is this data that forms the academic backdrop to this study. Contextualising those failings through cross reference to other similar cases – such as those mentioned – this dissertation questions whether lessons really have been learnt from mistakes or whether a culture of institutional nonchalance still prevails within some social services departments within the UK. Recommending tougher sanctions against staff who have been found to have failed service users, this is a dissertation that has the potential to help shape future safe-guarding policies through advancing the creation of a framework of independent overseers to monitor the activities of social care professionals nationwide.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Blakemore, K. (2008). ‘Health and social care needs in minority communities: An over-problematized issue?’ Health & Social Care in the Community, vol. 8(1), pp. 22-30.
• Statham, J. and Smith, M. (2010). Issues in earlier intervention: Identifying and supporting children with additional needs. Institute of Education, University of London: Thomas Coram Research Unit.
• Tanner, K. and Turney, D. (2003). ‘What do we know about child neglect? A critical review of the literature and its application to social work practice’. Child & Family Social Work, vol. 8(1), pp. 25-34.