scholarly journals Children’s life in superdiversity contexts: Impacts on the construction of a children’s citizenship – the Portuguese case

2021 ◽  
pp. 001139212098334
Author(s):  
Jorge Manuel Leitão Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Contemporary Society ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Family Policies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Interpretive Analysis ◽  
Social Welfare System ◽  
The Social ◽  
Conceptual Construction

This article develops a reflexive and interpretive analysis of the life of children in superdiversity contexts, systematizing some of its impacts on the construction of a children’s citizenship, with particular reference to the Portuguese case. The article promotes the conceptual construction of the child in the 21st century through the correlation of qualitative analysis variables based on a multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary theoretical framework. The article introduces the child protection system in Portugal within a framework of European and international influences. It identifies the indicators present in public policies and in the social welfare system that affect child protection in a cross-analysis with the professional practices that intervene with children and families. The author addresses the questions of the ecosocial dimension in the territorialized intervention of family policies in contemporary and multiple approaches to superdiversity. For policy-makers and practitioners in local government, NGOs and social services, appreciating the dimensions and dynamics of superdiversity has profound implications for how they might understand and deal with modes of difference and their interactions within the population. The article concludes with a systematization on the current problems regarding the child as a citizen in contemporary society.

scholarly journals Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-172
Author(s):  
David J Gilbert ◽  
Raja AS Mukherjee ◽  
Nisha Kassam ◽  
Penny A Cook
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

12. Child Protection

Family Law ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 825-915
Author(s):  
Joanna Miles ◽  
Rob George ◽  
Sonia Harris-Short
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Law ◽  
Interim Measures

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter examines the law on state intervention into family life where a child is considered to be ‘in need’ or at risk of significant harm. It discusses the competing approaches to state intervention and the principles underpinning the Children Act (CA) 1989; the legal framework governing local authority support for children in need under Part III of the CA 1989 and the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014; the law and procedure regulating compulsory intervention into family life by means of care proceedings under Part IV; and the various emergency and interim measures available to protect a child thought to be at risk of immediate harm.

scholarly journals Developments of Hungarian non-governmental organizations in the field of social services and child protection

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 666-670
Author(s):  
Andrea Racz
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Social Field ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Social

Civil organisations services and care operating in the social field are an important part of the social network since they contribute to the social inclusion and increasing life quality of excluded social groups. In the study we deal with how much the innovativeness (on program and specialization level) and system approach are emphasised in the approaches of civil organisations that operate in the field of social and child protection. Firstly, we briefly overview the main characteristics of civil organisations that operate in social field. Then we examine those tenders of civil organisations operating on social and child protection field which tendered between 2008 and 2009 in a concrete Hungarian tender system, in the so-called Norwegian Civil Fund (NCF)

scholarly journals Die Kernfamilie als Ideal. Zur Konstruktion von Scheidung und Nachscheidungsfamilien

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-84
Author(s):  
Ulrike Zartler
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Family Policies ◽  
Family Structures ◽  
Nuclear Families ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family ◽  
Living Together ◽  
Family Based

Against the backdrop of high divorce rates and changing concepts in the social sciences, the issue is addressed as to how children and families construct divorce and patterns of family life prior and subsequent to divorce. Based on an Austrian qualitative survey of 50 ten-year old children and their respective parents (n=71), it can be shown that divorce is predominantly constructed as a disintegration of the family. Based upon the dimensions of normalcy, complementarity and stability, nuclear families are being perceived as the most advantageous form of living together as a family. Whereas single-parent families are constructed as being both deficient and disadvantaged, stepfamilies are seen in a more positive light which, in turn, is due to the everyday presence of two parents in those families. These findings indicate that the interviewees orientate themselves along the lines of the model of disorganization, hierarchized ways of family life, and family concepts that are household-centered and focus primarily on family structures. Finally, the implications and repercussions of these findings for family policies and family research are being discussed. Zusammenfassung Vor dem Hintergrund hoher Scheidungsraten und veränderter sozialwissenschaftlicher Konzepte wird die Frage gestellt, wie Kinder und Eltern Scheidungen sowie familiale Lebensformen vor und nach einer Scheidung konstruieren. Basierend auf einer österreichischen qualitativen Befragung von 50 zehnjährigen Kindern und ihren Eltern (n= 71) zeigt sich, dass Scheidung überwiegend als Auflösung der Familie konstruiert wird. Kernfamilien werden, basierend auf den Aspekten Normalität, Komplementarität und Stabilität, als vorteilhafteste Lebensform wahrgenommen. Ein-Eltern-Familien werden als defizitär und benachteiligt konstruiert, während Stieffamilien aufgrund der alltäglichen Präsenz von zwei Elternpersonen positiver betrachtet werden. Die Ergebnisse verweisen auf eine Orientierung am Desorganisationsmodell, eine Hierarchisierung von Lebensformen sowie haushaltszentrierte und familienstrukturell fokussierte Konzeptionen. Auswirkungen und Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse für Sozialpolitik und Familienforschung werden diskutiert.

Benefits and Barriers of a Social Marketing Campaign Based on the Example of the Child Helpline

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-156
Author(s):  
Tiina Hiob ◽  
Mart Soonik
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Marketing Campaign ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
The Social

Abstract The Estonian child helpline service launched in 2009 uses a free nationwide 24h Child Helpline phone number. The purpose of the service is to enable everyone to report on children in need, forward the information to specialists and, if necessary, get primary social counselling and crisis counselling for children and other people. The service is provided in accordance with the Estonian Child Protection Act that prescribes that all citizens are required to immediately notify the social services, police or other assistanceproviding authorities about children in need of protection or assistance. This article is based on studies conducted between 2013 and 2015. In the course of the research, data were collected for increasing the effectiveness of the hotline’s communication campaigns. In addition to the general objective of the article, the data collected includes quantitative research mixed with qualitative data that helps to understand the factors that encourage and inhibit the use of the hotline service. The focus is on indicators that illustrate the effectiveness of the diffusion of innovation, and special attention is paid to the results that highlight risk, the existence of mental barriers and trust. Finally, the study analyses the weaknesses of past hotline campaigns and makes some suggestions for future.

The future of child protection may not be in local government

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 138-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Rice
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Structured Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a view about the future of children’s social work from the perspective of a frontline practitioner. Design/methodology/approach Reflections of a frontline practitioner are based on his experience of practising social work with children and families. Findings The professional task of assessment and intervention in order to protect the nation’s children from significant harm is probably one of the most complex in modern society. However, a focus on gathering too much information and the need for certainty can be detrimental to analysis and judgement. Further, the most complex and challenging part of the social work task, namely, direct work in the family home, is rarely subject to formally structured analysis or feedback. There is insufficient analysis of good practice, and the organisational conditions that will promote and sustain it, but there are alternative models, including outside local government and including from other countries, that appear promising. Originality/value The study offers the perspective of a frontline children and families social worker on issues facing the profession.

scholarly journals Human Resources in Romanian Child Protection Social Services. A Regional Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-106
Author(s):  
Zoltán Elekes
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
Child Protection Services ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
The Social ◽  
Level Analysis

Abstract Efficiency and cost effectiveness of human resources implied in social services in general and in child protections services specifically is a taboo subject in Romanian social policy. On the following pages, I will make a general analysis of human resources included in the Romanian social services sector, starting from the topic of territorial coverage with professionalized social workers. After a regional- and county-level analysis of this, linked to the social and economic situation of the regions, I look at the specific field of child protection to see if there exists any cost effectiveness in the volume of human resources implied in these services. In the final part of my study, I will make considerations about the quality of the personnel within child protection services.

scholarly journals The Perception of Social Workers in the N-E Area of Romania on Supervision

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Elena Unguru
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Social ◽  
Control Dimension

The supervision relationship is a long-lasting evaluation, oriented towards a number of purposes: improving the professional activity of supervised persons, monitoring the quality of services provided by practitioners, and promoting professional practice in general. The aim of the research is to analyze the main axes of the social construction of the supervision of social services in public institutions for child protection in the N - E area of Romania. The research was based on the questionnaire survey and was carried out between October 2018 and January 2019 in the public social work institutions in Bacău, Botosani, Iaşi, Suceava, Neamţ, Vaslui counties. Social workers prefer the supportive side to the administrative one, while supervision managers put the focus on the control dimension, but accompanied by the formative one.

Vulnerability, Law, and Dementia: An Interdisciplinary Discussion of Legislation and Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titti Mattsson ◽  
Lottie Giertz
Keyword(s):  
Social Welfare ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Social Welfare System ◽  
The Social ◽  
Vulnerability Theory

AbstractLegislation for dementia care needs to be continually rethought, if the rights of older persons and other persons with dementia are to be addressed properly. We propose a theoretical framework for understanding vulnerability and dependency, which enables us to problematize the currently prevailing legal conception of adults as always able — irrespective of health or age — to act autonomously in their everyday lives. Such an approach gives rise to difficult dilemmas when persons with dementia are forced to make decisions on their own about basic living conditions, such as housing and care, without decision-making support. In Sweden, for example, such matters are frequently left to the person him- or herself to decide, often without any assistance from social workers, and with family members serving as caregivers of last resort.Using vulnerability theory as the framework for our discussion, we argue that policymakers should not apply a group-oriented approach (based on factors like age, legal status, or mental capacity) to persons suffering from dementia. The needs of such individuals are as complex and varied as they themselves are. We discuss our findings from an interdisciplinary (law/social work) research project in which we examine the dilemma that social workers face when they are required, under the terms of the Swedish Social Services Act, to determine whether persons with dementia are to be granted support.We argue further that a cross-disciplinary approach — in which vulnerability theory furnishes the framework — opens up for new ways of understanding and developing social welfare law and practice. This, we believe, can help us better address the rights, interests, and needs of people with dementia, of their families, and of professionals in the social welfare system. Finally, many of the problems faced by ageing societies in general can be understood on the basis of such an approach.

scholarly journals The role of complex social services for the children from families at risk

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 01003
Author(s):  
Vide Gudzinskiene ◽  
Rimvydas Augutavicius
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Disadvantaged Children ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
Day Care Centres

The social assistance for social risk families in Lithuania is provided by child protection agencies, social welfare departments, family support and crisis centres, pedagogical-psychological services, care homes, various educational institutions and NGO's. One specific form of social support services for social risk families is called Children Day Care Centres (CDC), whose activities are based on a systematic set of measures designed to protect the social interests of children, to ensure social security and realize the basic needs. The aim of this research is to analyse the activities of CDC's in the context of helping to meet the needs of children at risk, who are also sometimes described in scientific literature as disadvantaged children. It is obvious that children growing within social risk families often do not have or have insufficient necessary skills-to communicate, to discover, to create. This significantly complicates the realization of needs of those children growing in families at risk or so called disadvantaged families. The social services in day care centres are organized for the best interests of such families. These institutions aim at giving the opportunities to meet the needs of children by creating the conditions to learn, create, spend their leisure time, and engage in a favourite activity.

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