This article examines child welfare workers' understanding of physical child abuse and the implications for those supervising these workers. The article is based on the results of a study that involved in-depth interviews and focus groups with statutory child welfare workers. Analysis revealed that workers' understanding of physical child abuse embodied a wide range of ideas that were generally consistent with existing literature. The study highlights the value and utility of a reflective approach in stimulating and making explicit the theoretical underpinnings of child welfare workers practice. Specific implications for professional supervision are addressed.
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