The title that I choose is The Natural World of Child Protection, and, as I promised in Chapter One of the Prologue, I will now explain the reason why I use the terms Natural World and Child Protection in the title.
Most of us are enthralled by nature programmes (I certainly am) so when I refer to the natural world you may think of plants, animals, wildlife, (flora and fauna, as they are called), mountains, rivers, the mysteries of the seas and deep oceans, in other words, the wonderful worlds of people like David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau.
And, of course, they are the natural world.
Also, when I use the term natural world I am reminded of the current focus on ecological matters, manifest in such disciplines as eco-psychotherapy and similar. That is, when we think of healing the self we also need to think of healing our Planet. Such emphasis, is, of course is very welcome and necessary.
In fact, being aware of the planet’s needs is a vital (in fact one could say the most important) aspect of child protection. Because if we don’t look after our Planet there may be no children to protect!
Which brings me to the second half of the title. Why child protection? Why not protection of vulnerable members of society in general?
I think it it will become clear as the website is read that, in respect of society, I am more interested in solutions than problems. And I believe that if we protect children – effectively – we will be moving towards solutions to some of the most difficult and intractable problems that beset society.
These include addiction, crime, homelessness, mental illness, and overall health and wellbeing, most of which are inter-related anyway.
In my experience all of the above problems occur downstream of the child that, despite the best efforts of everyone concerned, was hurt and often misunderstood.
Naturally enough we all feel that children are the most vulnerable members of our communities. And indeed they are – so, of course, that is a good reason to protect them.
But there is a financial reason too. Children that are troubled often grow up to be troubled adults. Troubled adults can cost our state an incalculable amount of money. And there is no need – I am sure – to spell out the reasons why.
On the other hand, healthy, vigorous, creative and emotionally intelligent adults make major contributions to society through entrepreneurial spirit, self-confidence etc. which has an obvious, immediate financial benefit.
And this has a multiplier effect – improving morale, self-efficacy, and how we view ourselves at large. (This will be expanded upon in the Chapter on Systems Theory).
And, emotionally intelligent adults generally tend to be concerned about the degradation of our planet.
People might not think that this is important – but, because I think holistically, I believe it is.
Talking about our Planet brings me back to the Natural World. While the term is linked to nature as we know it (i.e. flora and fauna) and protection of our planet, it will, in this website, have a slightly different meaning.
That is, the environment in which we live our lives from conception to death.
Because I will often refer to the physical (as well as the emotional, cognitive/knowledge and spiritual environments) I will, from time to time, be dipping into the world of physics.
Now, if you have not studied physics or science before; please do not be turned off.
Physics is full of practicality, and in keeping with my commitment to common sense, I will describe only those principles or theories that I feel are relevant to the subject matter.
I don’t think that physics is a subject that is studied in courses on social work, social care, psychotherapy, counselling or addiction. Yet it is all around us, within us, at all times and in all places, from conception to death. It is ubiquitous.
(For which I recently discovered, the correct pronunciation is you-b-quish-us with a shortened ‘b’ sound)!