Knowledge and practical application of child development is vital to safeguarding children and promoting positive outcomes for children and families (Davies and Ward , Brandon et al, 2011). Social workers have a statutory duty (The Children Act 1989), to promote and safeguard the welfare of children in need in their area and must investigate children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm (Section 47). Under the Children Act (1989), harm is defined as “ill-treatment or impairment of health or development…” and development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioral development (Section 31(9)). Therefore it is important to understand what normal development looks like at each stage and age of a child's life, so that we are able to identify when a child is not developing at the correct rate or may be subject to neglect and/or abuse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Social workers who do not recognize developmental defects have led to children being seriously harmed or, even worse, a child dying. In 2015, a 6-week-old baby died due to neglect. In the review of the serious case (Kscb.org.uk, 2018), it is stated that due to difficulties in arranging visits to the mother and her lack of commitment, health checks were skipped and the child and his siblings were seen only 3 times during the period. summer period and were not seen even once alone. For this reason, social workers and health personnel were unaware of the child's serious developmental delay. To prevent this from happening in the future, the Munro (2011) review suggests that all social workers need to have a strong working knowledge of child development. Developing knowledge about child development will give me the opportunity to learn more about risks and thresholds, which is vital. knowledge for a social worker. In my local authority level 4 is for children with complex/significant needs who require specialist or regulatory intervention. The Local Safeguarding Children Board says that most children who have needs at this level will be subject to an assessment under section 17 or section 47, they may then become subject to a child protection plan or need to become looked after children. This could be a voluntary accommodation (section 20) or a care order (section 31) of the Children Act 1989. The threshold documents which outline the needs and circumstances which may indicate that a child requires these services are: “A child who is in need because his or her health or development is likely to be significantly impaired or further impaired without the provision of services” (Stockton. gov. uk, 2018, p 7). I will analyze the development of a 3 year and 8 month old child (Ashton) who I observed for 4 hourly sessions over two weeks. I observed him in his family's home, while he played with his peers and in kindergarten contrasting environments allowed me to observe how he behaved in the family home and interact with adults outside the family, as well as with peers.Using theory and research literature in relation to social work; law, ethics, practice professional and parenting, I will explore Ashton's physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral and social development, however these are all interdependent parts of a holistic whole which I will demonstrate in my essay. I will apply this understanding to the critical and reflective analysis of,.