Recognition of Parental Love: Birth Parents’ Experiences with Cooperation When Having a Child Placed in Family Foster Care in Denmark

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tea Torbenfeldt Bengtsson ◽  
Kirstine Karmsteen
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Parental Love ◽  
Family Foster Care ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Parents Experiences

Abstract Despite the fact that most children growing up in family foster care remain in contact with their birth parents, the experiences of birth parents have been largely neglected. This article draws on twenty-two in-depth interviews with birth parents to examine their experiences of cooperating with social workers and foster carers. Five patterns of cooperation are empirically identified in the parents’ narratives: (i) constructive cooperation; (ii) ambivalent cooperation; (iii) improved cooperation; (iv) diminishing cooperation and (v) lack of cooperation. While there are key differences in the characteristics of each pattern, there is one central similarity: all the parents seek recognition of their parenthood, especially their love for their child. Thus, actively recognising the role of parental love in parents’ motivation for cooperation can enable social workers to secure better cooperation with birth parents.

scholarly journals Renegotiating power in adult safeguarding: the role of advocacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah P. Lonbay ◽  
Toby Brandon
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The increased involvement of adults at risk in the safeguarding process has become a prominent issue within English safeguarding policy. However, there is evidence to suggest that actual levels of involvement are still low. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a PhD study in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting this involvement in adult safeguarding for older people. Design/methodology/approach Participants in the study included advocates and social workers who had experience of working with older people through the safeguarding process within two North East England local authorities. A critical realist approach through in-depth interviews was taken with all the participants. Findings The research findings in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting older people going through safeguarding processes are reported. The practical limitations and factors which help and hinder advocacy support within the process are also considered. The theoretical implications for power, empowerment, and advocacy are also explored. Research limitations/implications A key limitation of this research is that it did not include older people who had been through safeguarding amongst the participants. Practical implications Key implications for practice and policy are discussed. Originality/value The paper provides an overview and critique of empowerment in adult safeguarding and the role that advocates play in promoting this key principle.

Working through Barriers: Shaping Social Workers’ Engagement in Policy Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1107-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Nouman ◽  
Lia Levin ◽  
Einat Lavee
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Open Systems ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Modes Of Operation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Policy Arena

Abstract Although social workers’ engagement in policy-shaping processes to advance social justice reflects this obligation of the social work profession, many social workers avoid implementing policy practice (PP). Previous studies have identified several barriers limiting social workers’ use of this practice. However, how such barriers can be overcome remains under-studied. In this study, we address this lacuna by examining the role of social workers vis-à-vis their engagement in PP, through the theoretical framework of social psychology of organizations, and therein, through ideas concerning open systems and the formation of roles and praxes in organizations. Drawing on twenty-eight in-depth interviews and three focus groups, we demonstrate how social workers underwent a coping and transformation process that increased their engagement in PP. In certain situations, it was the expectations of colleagues and the challenges posed by them that impelled social workers to re-examine their approach to such engagement and enhance it. We show how social workers can overcome barriers and facilitate their involvement in the policy arena, as well as highlight policy-makers’ role in shaping social workers’ modes of operation.

scholarly journals O ACOLHIMENTO FAMILIAR DE CRIANÇAS EM PORTUGAL – EVIDÊNCIAS E DESAFIOS

polemica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 023-042
Author(s):  
João Paulo Ferreira Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Historical Evolution ◽  
Foster Care System ◽  
Family Foster Care ◽  
Care Culture ◽  
And Training ◽  
Care System

Resumo: Este artigo carateriza o sistema português de acolhimento familiar, que apresenta uma das taxas mais altas de colocação de crianças em acolhimento residencial, em comparação com outros países europeus. Descreve a sua evolução histórica, o quadro legal em vigor, e o papel dos principais atores envolvidos no processo de acolhimento. Procura, igualmente, identificar os fatores que estão na génese de um sistema de acolhimento que permanece centrado, e até tem reforçado, nos últimos anos, a utilização do acolhimento residencial. Este estudo baseia-se na análise do enquadramento jurídico e político, e destaca, na investigação científica realizada em Portugal, no século XXI, um conjunto de testemunhos de crianças, acolhedores e famílias que interpretam, em primeira pessoa, os avanços, as dificuldades e os desafios associados ao acolhimento. Termina com uma identificação dos desafios que se colocam na prática, e ao decisor político, para se desenvolver um processo de desinstitucionalização bem-sucedido e entre os quais se incluem: (i) a divulgação e promoção da cultura do acolhimento familiar; (ii) a seleção e a formação de novas famílias de acolhimento; (iii) a disponibilização e o aperfeiçoamento da informação que permitam uma efetiva monitorização do sistema; (iv) e a reclassificação dos tipos e modalidades de acolhimento familiar.Palavras-chave: Acolhimento familiar. Portugal. Evidências. Desafios.Abstract: This article characterizes the Portuguese family foster care system, which has one of the highest rates of placement of children in residential care, compared to other European countries. It describes its historical evolution, the legal framework in force, and the role of the main actors involved in this type of family placement. It also seeks to identify the factors that are at the origin of a care system that remains centered, and has even reinforced, in recent years, the use of residential care. This study is based on the analysis of the legal and political framework, and highlights in the scientific research carried out in Portugal in the 21st century a set of testimonies from children, caregivers and families who interpret in first person the advances, difficulties and challenges associated with foster care. It ends with an identification of challenges that are posed in practice, and to the decision maker, to develop a successful deinstitutionalization process, and among which are included (i) the dissemination and promotion of foster care culture; (ii) the selection and training of new fostercare families; (iii) the availability and improvement of information that allows an effective monitoring of the system; (iv) and the reclassification of types and modalities of foster care.Key Words: Foster care. Portugal. Evidence. Challenges.

scholarly journals Can contactless volunteer activities be an alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic?

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 710-724
Author(s):  
Doyeon Won ◽  
Yoonha Chun ◽  
Minsuh Savina Kim ◽  
Ian Song Kim ◽  
Amber Hyunjin Cheun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Volunteer Work ◽  
Private Space ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
Deaf Adults ◽  
The City ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of this study is to provide a viable alternative for volunteer services which became inactive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, cases of contactless volunteer work involving children using the M Social Welfare Center located in the city of Paju in Gyeonggi-do Province were studied using reputational case selection. The aforementioned children are children whose parents have hearing disabilities (CODAs: child of deaf adults). In all of the examined cases, six sessions of online volunteer work have been carried out with these children. In-depth interviews were conducted with four participants, two non-participants, two of the twelve youth volunteers, and one social worker. The results of the study were as follows: firstly, there are several advantages to online volunteer work such as providing an alternative to the conventional volunteering method during the COVID-19 pandemic, no restrictions of location or place, recipients having their own private space, and the volunteers and recipients being able to open up to each other and being able to grow together through this process. Secondly, issues to be noted during the process are the characteristics of the recipients, the role of social workers, the education of volunteers and the attitude of the volunteers. Finally, aspects that need to be improved are the recognition of online volunteer hours and paralleling online volunteer work with other volunteer methods when the COVID-19 situation improves in the future. Through these findings, this study suggested practical and policy implications.

Challenges of Emerging Adulthood among Youth out of Foster Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Positive Support

Youth out of foster care can face various problems related to finding a housing, unemployment, low educational attainmentor lack of interpersonal relationships. The aim of the research was to studythe problems of youth out of foster carein Georgia.Within the qualitative studysemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The findings indicated that youth out of foster carefelt unprepared for life and face some financial, social and psychological challenges which make the transition to adulthood more problematic. They have a problem of unstable housing, employment and community integration.In this criticalperiod of transition, social workers are responsible for supporting adolescence. The study identified very low involvement of the social worker during preparation to age out of foster care. Social workers must continue to work with young people, help thembuild relationships and positive support network. It's recommended to expandfoster care services to the youthwith the aimsof growinglearning and accommodationstability, and employment services.Policy makers should consider housing opportunities for youth out of foster care. Youngsters out of foster carerequire protective preparation and planning, which will help adolescents make this transitioninto adulthood more flexible.

scholarly journals Security Net and Ambassadors for Social Inclusion? The Role of Intermediaries in Host–Refugee Relationships in Homestay Programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara‐Désirée Brinker
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Caring Relationships ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

In response to refugees’ social marginalisation and lack of appropriate housing, homestay programs have emerged as a new approach to refugee accommodation. However, caring relationships between asylum‐seekers and refugees and locals are prone to reproduce power imbalances. As a countermeasure, flatshares initiated by the organisation Refugees Welcome are created within a three‐fold network of hosts, social workers, and volunteers. The volunteers serve as intermediaries and provide refugees with personalised support to become more rooted in society. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and thirty in‐depth interviews with hosts, refugees, intermediaries, and social workers in Catalonia (Spain), this article explores the responsibilities and struggles of intermediaries in the hosting networks. Results show that intermediaries give refugees and hosts a sense of security during the flatshare and keep social workers informed, yet their role varies considerably.

scholarly journals Counselling in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: Social workers’ perspectives and practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Barbara Staniforth
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article is the second of a two-part series which looks at the role of counselling in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article examines a quantitative piece of research which asked approximately 1,000 members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers for their beliefs around, and practice of, counselling in social work.The first article reported on the historical and socio-cultural elements that have shaped the development of counselling in social work from information collected through in-depth interviews. Both pieces of research formed part of a PhD dissertation entitled Past, Present and Future Perspectives on the Role of Counselling in Social Work in Aotearoa New Zealand completed in 2010. 

Connection and Continuity in Foster Care

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Kufeldt ◽  
James Kufeldt ◽  
Marshall Dorosh
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Substitute Care

Based on interviews with children, birth parents, foster carers and social workers in the province of Ontario, Kathleen Kufeldt, James Armstrong and Marshall Dorosh explore some of the benefits and pitfalls of fostering as an effective response to children ‘in need’ of substitute care. Among the more surprising findings of their study is the high percentage of respondents who assert that, in retrospect, coming into care was the best solution to their particular situation. At the same time, the majority among all four sets of participants are in favour of maintaining ties and involvement in the form of continuity, connection and contact with birth families. Other positive findings show that children, especially pre-adolescents, often have quite a realistic understanding of the situation leading up to their placement in care with less of a tendency to blame themselves or idealise their birth families than has previously been suggested.

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