Social investment in children: Comparing the benefits of child protection early intervention and prevention programs in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

There are many stressors experienced by families in modern society many of which can lead to child abuse and neglect in vulnerable families. The existence of one risk factor increases the chance of a second risk factor occurring and then often compounds the negative effects of each and the more complex or difficult the childï'½s home situation, the more important it is that multiple resources are used to support the family and ensure the risk of harm to the child is reduced. This article discusses the need and provision of early intervention and prevention programs in the area of child protection, comparing the situations of Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia to see if there is international consistency in the design and implementation of these programs. It also conceptualises expenditure on early intervention and prevention programs for children as prudent long term social investment.