Social workers’ views on neglect of people with disabilities: From perspectives to practices

Abstract

Summary This research explores the neglect of people with disabilities from the perspective of social workers in Israel, delving into the key issues and dilemmas surrounding their treatment. A qualitative approach was employed for this research. The study involved 40 social workers, with 25 completing an online qualitative survey and 15 participating in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes related to the studied issue. Findings The research identified three major themes. The first theme focuses on social workers’ perspectives on neglect of people with disabilities. The second theme explores challenges in social workers’ coping with the phenomenon of neglect of people with disabilities. The third theme delves into factors impeding treatment in cases of neglect of people with disabilities. Applications The neglect of people with disabilities constitutes a serious social problem that demands changes in policy and practice. Consequently, there is a pressing need to establish a clear definition of neglect, implement a national protocol for addressing the phenomenon, enhance the training of social workers, and bolster supervision and control to improve the response to neglect experienced by people with disabilities.