A growing consensus among researchers and practitioners that the current emphasis on identification and investigation of child abuse may be counter‐productive has been slow to produce changes at the policy level. Using the operation of interagency Area Child Protection Committees as an example, this paper suggests that professional and managerial perception of risk of public criticism or media exposure play a significant part in determining policy priorities. Child protection policy was found to be weighted towards the creation of procedures for handling abuse allegations at the expense of developing strategies for prevention of abuse or treatment and after‐care of victims. Yet in most cases investigatory procedures result in no action to the benefit of child or family. To shift service priorities in a direction that is more likely to enhance children's well‐being may require a redefinition of the concept of risk in relation to child protection. Suggestions as to how this shift may be achieved are made.