Exploration into relationship-based practices of child protection practitioners within the child protection system; Attuning to the infant in out-of-home care

National child protection data gives evidence of a growing proportion of infants entering out-of-home care with current statistics across Australia noting that infants from birth to four were more likely than older children to have received child protection services. The focus of this research is the infant at risk of being, or who is currently in, Out of Home Care (OoHC) as the most vulnerable and therefore require a more attuned form of care and attention within organisations. Whilst the research seeks to be infant-led and is invested in improving their organisational care, the central focus to achieve this, is on the practitioner and their practice and experience with infants, within their organisation. It is anticipated that this qualitative research will provide a clearer identification and contextualisation of the relational practices that are present or overlooked in the support of the practitioner as they support infants. There is also an expectation that attention will need to turn more deliberately to policies, programs, and targeted training to address matters confronted by the practitioner and the organsiations to increase capacity to support the infant and their care systems. The research, therefore, seeks to explore the place for attuned responses within relationships for the infant from the practitioner and for the practitioner from the organisations. The research intention then, is to connect with the practitioner, and through the practitioner with the infant, in a respectful and collaborative manner as a reflective process that aims to be of benefit to both practitioner and infant.