Summary: In Britain, the Laming Report has provided a lengthy exploration
of the circumstances surrounding the death of Victoria Climbié and
highlighted the failure of social work, health and police services to safeguard the
child. However, the Report fails to engage in a satisfactory way with issues related
to ‘race’ and ‘place’.
Findings: It is maintained that the Report’s approach to
‘race’ is cursory and problematic. Furthermore, it is argued
that ‘place’ and, more specifically, transnational migration is
a core, but insufficiently examined, dimension to the tragedy. Important also, in
terms of the Report’s limited engagement with these issues, is the
evolution of a neo-liberal order in which migrants to Britain are viewed with
suspicion and are the focus of legislation and policy discourses which are
increasingly punitive.
Applications: The article seeks to promote debate on the issues raised and
emphasizes the significance, for social work and associated child welfare
professionals, of issues related to ‘race’ and ‘place’.
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