An issue of safeguarding
And so we move on to the next chapter in Genesis – chapter 22 – one of the most difficult passages in the whole of the Bible to understand and explain away. How can a loving God expect a father to sacrifice his own son? Surely this is tantamount to child abuse! What on earth was God playing at? And why would Abraham go along with it? Why would He choose to follow a God who would ask this of him? How can we choose to follow a God who might ask something like that of us?
Rob Bell is excellent on this in Son. This is the last time I will mention Rob Bell in a while, I promise, but he writes so brilliantly and explains things so well….what can I add?
So I recently tackled this story in my new series for teenagers entitled ‘Addicted to the Drama’. I tried to imagine this scene playing out in a modern setting and this is what I came up with……..
An issue of safeguarding – Genesis 22
Introduction: The story of Abraham’s apparent willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s request is well known and little understood. How can we explain this one away? What was Abraham playing at? More importantly, what was God playing at? How could this possibly play out in a modern setting and what would be the response of Social Services?
Child Protection Social Work Report
Person Details
Name: Isaac Stern ID Number: 7192867
DOB: 22.5.2000 Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Polish Religion: Jewish
Date of this report: 16.5.2014
General Information
Details of ALL the children in the family: There are no other children in the household. Abe has another son who is 14 years older than Isaac, born to an Egyptian mother. The pair lived in the region, until Abe put pressure on them to leave soon after Isaac’s birth, as the woman was looking to cause trouble and destabilise the family unit. There has been no contact between the two parties in recent years.
Details of Parents/Carers/Other Family Members: Isaac’s parents had him later in life, long after they had given up hope of ever having a child at all. Abe’s nephew and his family used to live locally, but have lived away from the area for several years.
Reason for Referral: An employee of Isaac’s father contacted Social Services with a concern over a particular incident. The day before, he had accompanied Isaac and his father onto the roof of the building that Abe runs his business from. He stayed back as Abe led his son right to the very edge of the building. Father and son stood talking for a while and when Abe took Isaac’s arm, it looked to his employee as if he was about to throw Isaac over the edge of the building. Instead at the very last minute, he pulled Isaac back and led him downstairs to safety again. The only explanation that Abe gave was: ‘God told me to and then God told me not to. All is well and all will be well.’ Isaac seemed a little shaken, but accepted his father’s explanation. This incident obviously raises serious concerns over the safety of the boy.
Development Needs
Health: There are no health concerns at present.
Education: Isaac works hard at school and is well-liked. He aims to please and meet his parents’ high expectations.
Emotional Behavioural Development: Isaac seems to have a positive outlook on life. He mentioned some minor teasing about the age of his parents and the fact that he is not local, but this does not seem to worry him unduly. He has a close bond with both of his parents.
Identity: It is vital here to reflect details of the child’s growing sense of self as a separate person with regards to race, religion, age, gender and any other factors that contribute to an overall sense of belonging.
Isaac has had some issues with feeling that he belongs because of his different race and background. There are no members of the extended family in the area to help with a sense of identity and the fragile relationship between the family and the half-brother and his mother has been unsettling. However, he is a mature young man who exhibits a quiet confidence.
Family Relationships: Isaac is close to both of his parents. He has accepted that his father’s faith matters more to him than anything else, more even than his wife and son. Isaac sees this as a strength and is proud of his father. He knows how much he means to his mother.
Social and Peer Relationships: Isaac comes across as sociable, extrovert and friendly. He has a good group of friends.
Appearance and Selfcare Skills: These are appropriate to Isaac’s age and level of understanding.
Parenting Capacity
Basic Care: Isaac’s basic needs are met to a high standard by Sarah and Abe. There are no concerns over provision of food, warmth, clothing and shelter.
Ensuring Safety: This is the area which is of particular concern. There are no issues over safety in the home, but Abe’s actions in taking Isaac to that rooftop and implying that he would push him over the edge if God required it are not the actions of a parent with the safety of their child as highest priority.
Emotional Warmth: Sarah and Abe both dote over their son and lavish him with attention and affection. He is the child they never thought they would have.
Stability: The family are a stable unit and have settled well into the area since their arrival before the birth of Isaac. Isaac is fully aware of the family background and yet seems settled within himself.
Family and Environment
Family History and Functioning: The family have never been known to Children’s Services in the past.
Housing: The family live in a comfortable, well-furnished, privately owned home with all the basic amenities that the family require on a daily basis. Isaac has his own bedroom within the home.
Employment: Abe runs his own business and Sarah runs the home. The family do not face financial difficulties.
Family’s Social Integration: The family have links within the Polish Jewish community in the area.
Proposed Plan
Social Worker’s Summary and Analysis: This family present as a tight knit unit and are extremely supportive of each other. Isaac seems happy and secure and appears to be thriving in this secure environment. The event in question does raise serious concerns but appears to be a one-off. Isaac does not fear that it will happen again, although his father cannot reassure me completely that it will not. His trust in God and the strength of his faith are beyond my understanding. He clearly loves his son and wants the best for him, but his God will always come first. Is this a reason to remove this child from this family? At this stage, I do not think so. The detrimental effects on Isaac’s emotional wellbeing of this move cannot be underestimated. At present, the benefits of staying within the birth family outweigh any potential risks. I do believe, however, that we should monitor this family closely and review the situation if any further concerns are raised.
Does the child need a Child Protection or Child in Need plan? Yes
If yes, please outline the plan:
Isaac to remain within the family home.
The designated social worker to regularly monitor safety in the home.
A worker to be identified to work with and support Isaac where necessary.
If there are new concerns that arise concerning Isaac’s education and relationships with his peers, then school are to inform the Social Worker immediately.
Discussion questions
- If you were Isaac, how would you feel?
- Do you feel there are serious concerns raised about the safety of Isaac?
- Do you agree with the Social Worker’s Summary and Analysis? If not, why not?
- What are some of the ways in which young people these days are not safe in their own homes?
- Can you imagine any situation anywhere in the world where a parent might be forced to consider sacrificing the life of their own child?
- Can you think of any reasons why Abe’s God would ask him to do such a thing?
Write the Child Protection Social Work Review for the meeting that would take place six months after this referral, detailing:-
- Current situation
- Any areas of concern
- Proposed plan going forward
