FOR THE RECORD

The Pathways trial rests on the unexamined assumption that childhood “gender identity” is an innate, medicalisable entity. Child development science – from Piaget to Winnicott – demonstrates the opposite.

Jane Fenton Professor of Social Work at the University of Dundee presented on two key areas of her research. Firstly, with 400 Gen Z female students at the University of Dundee. This research uncovered shockingly low levels of well-being and a very negative and oppressed mindset within this sample of young women:

"in too many cases, the systems meant to safeguard them have been infiltrated by individuals and organisations projecting their own ideological views about gender and identity onto children, without adequate checks, evidence-based guidance, or the presence of strong and independent safeguarding voices."

The most vulnerable children in the country are being failed by the authorities entrusted with their care. Local authorities are outsourcing the development of guidance to activist groups or allowing a child to transition without consulting anyone.

faklj A history of ideological capture -the leadership of social work ... were consciously allowing and encouraging the adoption of unevidenced and harmful beliefs and practices that denied sex and promoted gender identity instead.

We discuss the welfare and best interests Children Act principles and how they can be used to promote and defend ethical practice