A thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University Reproduced with permission of the author 22/04/2005. Master copy held.

This research takes a fresh look at five cases known to the Children, Young Persons and their Families Agency where children on the caseloads of social workers died from non-accidental injury. A range of dangerous dynamics are identified and defined. These are then applied to each of the sample cases with a view to determining whether or not they were apparent leading up to and at the time the children died. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of the findings and recommendations are made with respect to future management of cases where dangerous dynamics exist in the relationships social workers have with families with which they are working. The purpose of this research is two-fold. The author's primary intention is to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge that exists with respect to understanding child deaths and the role social workers have in relation to such tragedies. In addition, it is intended that the findings of this research will contribute to the prevention of future deaths of children on the caseloads of child protection workers.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

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