Protecting Our Children

Follows Bristol's child protection teams over the course of a year to see frontline work first-hand and explore how the crises of the last decade have had an impact on their ability to safeguard children. Newly-qualified Susanne is working with a 'low risk' family. But even the most straightforward situations often develop into something more ominous. Her first case is to help a family with their three-year-old son Toby, who has learning difficulties. His parents need support and advice about how to improve their parenting, as well as the conditions of their small flat. However, father Mike's hostility towards Susanne means she can't help the family in the way she would like.

Follows Bristol's child protection teams over the course of a year to see frontline work first-hand and explore how the crises of the last decade have had an impact on their ability to safeguard children. Social worker Annie must ensure the protection of the unborn child of Shaun and Marva, a couple who live far beyond the realms of normal society. However she can only see them with two security guards in support. A heart-rending story that goes to the core of the issues facing a modern welfare system.

Three different cases show the fine balance that exists when social workers need to make the hardest decisions - when is it right to remove a baby, and when should you allow them to stay at home?