Abstract
ABSTRACT This study explores values that underpin Norwegian policies aimed at supporting care leavers with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. Articulation of these values can sharpen our awareness of value conflict within policy and provide understanding of the complex considerations that are involved in both policy and aftercare practice. We have conducted a document analysis of government white papers within the fields of child welfare and disability services in Norway. A total of eight white papers from the time period 1998–2018 were included in our data, whereof four addressed disability services and four child welfare. The documents were analysed using summative qualitative content analysis, which involves counting and making comparisons, usually of keywords, but also includes interpretations of the context. Through our study, we found that care leavers with disabilities are not identified as a target group in either child welfare policy or disability policy. We also found that the two categories of white papers construct different concepts of support and different images of their target groups. The study furthermore resulted in findings of two conflicting values within policy, which we have labelled independent adulthood and inclusive citizenship. The impact of these findings on aftercare practices are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have