Model construction for an integrated approach to child abuse cases that treats both the internal and external worlds

Associate Professor Norifumi Senga, Nihon Fukushi University, previously worked at child guidance centres that support children and their families. His research on child abuse support takes an integrated approach. This is necessary due to the complex interplay of issues associated with child abuse. Support needs to take a multi-agency, multi-professional collaboration and approach from a variety of perspectives. There is no established integrated approach to offering support for child abuse cases and Senga believes this inconsistency further exacerbates the confusion and anxiety experienced by children and their families. He is working to develop an integrated approach that takes from more than one theory, technique or perspective. Above all else, support in child abuse cases must offer a guarantee of a safe place that encourages a child’s development. Given that external and internal worlds are interlinked, a cohesive approach is crucial, by which the dangers in the external world are eliminated and then the psychological (internal) issues are tackled. Senga is developing a model construction that takes an integrated approach to child abuse cases, treating internal and external worlds. In doing so, he is considering the essence of diverse practices and adapting them to fit Japanese culture and the cases he sees daily. He has analysed several theories and techniques, such as the holonical approach and considered how they can be most efficiently applied to fit the needs of those he treats.