Social Work Practice Research Articles

Social work in the context of child protection in Seychelles: educational preparedness from a global and local perspective

ABSTRACT Child protection’s complexity requires localized understanding within social work. This paper focuses on the child protection system in the Republic of Seychelles and evaluates social workers’ preparedness within this context. Through a historical analysis of social work in Seychelles and an exploration of the current child protection system with an emphasis on the educational readiness of social workers for child protection work, this study investigates the unique challenges/opportunities in this field. This study uses an exploratory case study method to analyze the educational preparedness of social workers in child protection work and identify key strategies for improving practice outcomes in Seychelles. Findings show that the education of social workers, especially at the bachelor’s degree level, is more tuned to generic training in the social work profession than specializations in specific fields of practice like child protection. Recommendations for enhancing social work practice in Seychelles and other similar contexts are given, highlighting the need for further research.

Disappointments in mediation for justice-involved girls in out-of-home care: fieldwork afterthoughts

ABSTRACT This perspective paper enquires into the dynamics of justice-involved girls (JiG) residing in out-of-home foster care settings within a non-Western context, scrutinising and questioning prevailing approaches within youth justice institutions that amalgamate mediation and restorative justice methodologies. Leveraging insights garnered from firsthand encounters with JiG, I present vignettes from my fieldwork observations to illustrate scenarios where JiG experience disappointment, hence underscoring potential pitfalls associated with blended approaches. Proposing a concentric circle framework tailored to navigate the knottiness of double-mediation circumstances, particular attention is directed towards addressing JiG’s internal conflicts. Furthermore, I contend that JiG’s susceptibility to disappointment offers insights into the underlying origins of conflicts and sheds light on their struggles with self-identity within youth mediation programmes. By synthesising theoretical constructs with empirical evidence, this perspective paper offers practical guidance for researchers and social work practitioners working with JiG, while also contributing to ongoing dialogues surrounding girls’ participation in juvenile justice and youth-mediated interventions.

The Visibility of a Socio-Economic Dimension in Day-to-Day Child and Family Social Work Practice in Wales

Abstract This study explored how day-to-day social work practice with children and families in Wales responds to poverty, building on case studies already published in the other three UK nations. A case study design was used. The sites were locality teams in two local authorities, differing in their children looked after rates and trajectories of these over time. Qualitative research methods included practice observations; interviews with staff; focus groups; mapping of decision-making processes; and a sample of family case narratives. In one local authority, the range of data was similar to the other UK nation case studies. However, in the second, data collection was adapted to the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) lockdown context. Some evidence was found of narratives that emphasised the cultural, rather than material, aspect of poverty, and blamed parents for making inappropriate spending choices. Poverty alleviation was generally seen as outside of social workers’ control and requiring earlier help before social services involvement. In one of the local authorities, there was some awareness shown of the impact of poverty on parenting. In the other, that took part in the study during 2020, the exacerbating effects of families in lockdown were described, including the lack of family support due to pandemic restrictions.

Validation of Chinese Version Social Work Cultural Competencies Self-Assessment Instrument in Mainland China

Purpose: This study aims to develop and validate a self-assessment instrument for the cultural competence of social workers, namely, the Social Work Cultural Competencies Self-Assessment Instrument (SWCCSA), in mainland China. Method: Quota sampling was used to validate the Chinese version of the instrument. Data were collected from 1,000 social workers and students in mainland China to test the reliability and validity of the translated SWCCSA. Results: The Chinese version of SWCCSA was finalized with three-factor dimensions with 21 items after exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The assessment presented good factorial validity and reliability. Discussion: The revised three-factor dimensional Chinese version of SWCCSA developed by this study is a reliable and valid measurement instrument for future assessment of social work practitioners’ and students’ cultural competence in China.

The Role of Resilience in Social Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

AbstractResilience is considered a significant concept in research on a variety of topics at the individual, organizational, and community levels. In this qualitative, grounded theory study based on 20 semi-structured interviews, we discuss a set of factors that emerged as contributing to resilience among social service providers working with homeless or homeless-adjacent vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article specifically addresses the variation in resilience that emerged between providers in the face of these pandemic-related challenges. We found that the following four factors, in interaction with each other, influenced the degree of provider resilience: Restrictions providers had to implement to keep clients safe and associated feelings of guilt and helplessness, outbreaks and losses affecting the organization and its staff during the pandemic, isolation from the community, clients, and fellow staff, and existing vulnerabilities, such as personal struggles with mental health or complicated family situations. The article also discusses the implications of these findings for future research and social work practice.

Assembling the multitude: the transversal potential of categories for social work practice

This article elaborates on a theoretically informed model of action rooted in the concept of professional resistance, which approaches groups of people and social problems in an alternative way to the dominant modes of managerial practice. The aim is to create conditions for approaching groups with social needs differently and to be able to act politically for social change within contemporary society. We will do this by exploring the potential of the assembly in line with Hardt, Negri and Butler, as well as the notion of transversal politics as developed by Yuval-Davis, for creating political subjectivities and alliances across differences. The reason for this theoretical approach is based on how the effects of categorisation and its political function can sometimes be challenging to identify. This is argued to especially be the case within a neoliberal capitalist society where categories induce competition between precarious groups to maintain the political status quo.

Methodological support for the integration of the concept of spiritual sensitivity into the practice of social workers

AIM: This article deals with the integration of the concept of spiritual sensitivity into the practice of social workers. The aim of the article is to present a tool for methodological support of social workers in the Czech Republic to better integrate the concept of spiritual sensitivity into practice.METHODS. Apractice guidelines was constructed on the basis of existing theoretical knowledge and research. The development of the practice guidelines included feedback from social workers on a pilot version of the material (N=133).RESULTS: The majority of social workers involved in the feedback process positively evaluated the contribution of the practice guidelines to the integration of spiritual sensitivity into daily practice. CONCLUSION. Despite the fact that the current form of the practice guidelines has the quality of a prototype that will need to be further developed, it could increase the effectiveness of social workers' practice and improve client care by enabling the systematic and ethical integration of spiritual sensitivity into their practice. Moreover, it may provide inspiration for other authors, practitioners and researchers to develop their own methodological support tools and explore the conditions of their effectiveness. A more holistic perspective of working with clients, and a higher chance of their participation and empowerment are benefits that profit the clients themselves in the first place, but may ultimately contribute to the profession's greater credibility in society.

The method of hermeneutic research and the possibility of its use in the practice of social work

The method of hermeneutic research and the possibility of its use in the practice of social work

The role of intuition in social work practice: differing understandings and attitudes

ABSTRACT There has been a long debate about the use of intuition in helping professions, including social work. Often viewed negatively in professional contexts, intuition is nonetheless used as a form of risk assessment. The current research examined methods of identifying child sexual abuse. A mixed methods approach was taken, with 98 participants completing an online questionnaire and 24 taking part in in-depth interviews. The participants demonstrated varied perceptions of intuition and its usefulness. Although some participants were strongly critical of its use, for others, intuition or ‘gut feelings’ were preferred to formal assessment tools. However, what was discussed as intuition, rather than a form of ‘sixth sense’, was often based on tacit knowledge; for example, abused young people’s observable behaviours combined with known risk factors such as certain family characteristics. Therefore, concerns about the use of intuition may be based on incorrect assumptions.

Social workers’ experiences of the use of experts in child protection cases: a comparative study from Norway and England

ABSTRACT The use of independent experts varies by context, specifically in terms of the dynamics among experts, the child welfare services, and the legal system. This study enriches the current discussion of expertise in child protection cases, a subject that has received limited attention from the perspective of social workers. This explorative study delves into the experiences of social workers in child protection, comparing the use of independent experts in two settings: Norway and England. Comparing these two contexts allows us to better understand the different aspects of independent experts’ roles and functions and provide a nuanced picture of their varying contributions. These stories from social work practice in these settings not only inform our understanding of the dynamics within these specific contexts but also spark enquiry into the broader dynamics of expert involvement in child protection cases.

Response to Feldman: Minimal Penetration of Practice Relevant Research—Challenge Remains

The social work profession has enhanced its research capabilities since the 1991 Task Force on Social Work Research. However, these impressive changes have not closed the research-practice gap or made substantial contributions to empirically supported social work practice knowledge. Modified challenges as presented by Feldman are offered along with suggested recommendations.

Tobacco harm reduction: Implementation of the concept in social work practice

Smoking remains one of the biggest health issues worldwide. Although social work is supposed to enhance well-being and therefore address smoking, it has been criticized as passive in its stance. In this article, we present tobacco harm reduction as a strategy that can help social work deal with smoking.

Book Review: Social Work Practice During Times of Disaster: A Transformative Green Social Work Model for Theory, Education and Practice in Disaster Interventions

Book Review: Social Work Practice During Times of Disaster: A Transformative Green Social Work Model for Theory, Education and Practice in Disaster Interventions

The psychological impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Black social workers

AbstractThis qualitative study investigated the psychological impact of the dual pandemics of COVID‐19 and anti‐Black violence on client‐facing social workers who identify as Black, the coping strategies they used in response to the pandemic, and the ways in which these individuals’ racial and cultural identities impacted their experiences. Such individuals are at unique risk for traumatic stress and burnout. This risk was compounded by the traumatic nature of the dual pandemics and the ways in which they forced confrontation with Yalom's existential givens of human existence: death, isolation, meaninglessness, and freedom and responsibility. Eight client‐facing social workers who identified as Black and lived in the United States were interviewed using a 19‐item semistructured protocol created by the researchers that addressed the research questions. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis methodology. Five themes were constructed: (1) Changes in treatment due to COVID‐19, (2) Emotional toll due to the pandemic, (3) Experiences related to being Black, (4) Beneficial experiences, and (5) Coping with COVID‐19 and ongoing racism. Participants’ experiences demonstrated the compounded psychological risk factors they faced as social workers, Black Americans, and survivors of the pandemic, and the ways in which they confronted existential concerns. Participants demonstrated resilience by making new meanings out of their experiences and implied their successful posttraumatic growth. This study demonstrated the need for greater support of Black social workers in social work practice and policy to ease the compounded stressors they face as a result of the pandemic.

Understanding the Impacts of COVID-19 and Other Disaster Experiences on Motivations to Prepare for Future Disasters

Abstract Social workers are recognising the increasing frequency and severity of disasters within the context of climate change, and are concerned with supporting communities in preparing, coping and building resilience. Although social workers have had positive impacts on disaster relief and recovery throughout the world, they have been less influential in impacting communities’ and individuals’ abilities to prepare for future disasters, which requires addressing the structural causes and impacts of disasters. While concerned with macro-level and neoliberal causes and dimensions of disasters, the focus of this research is on micro-level perspectives. Our study investigates whether past experiences of pandemics, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with other disasters, translate into motivation to prepare for future disasters. We derived the sample from the 2021 US National Household Survey and analysed it using logistic regression analysis. Findings suggest that certain disaster experiences, such as COVID-19 and technological disasters, along with heightened risk perceptions of pandemics and natural disasters, increased people’s motivation for disaster preparedness. Such motivation is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, including race/ethnicity and disability. Using a transformative social work practice lens to articulate implications for social workers, we emphasise addressing root causes of disasters, community-level change work and whole-person, intersectional support and interventions.

Teaching human rights-based social work in Australia – drawing from practice experiences in diverse environments

ABSTRACT This reflective piece considers the author’s formative professional experiences including working in the criminal justice system in Central Australia, and conducting humanitarian monitoring of immigration detention centers across Australia, both environments where the human rights of those impacted were constrained through the domestic legal frameworks. By utilizing these experiences to illustrate the strength of embracing a human rights-based approach within social work in Australia, the author emphasizes that this approach is broader than the construct of domestic legality alone. Having recently completed her doctoral thesis exploring the lived experiences of youth detention in New South Wales, the author describes how she frames her emerging social work teaching practice through using her professional background, incorporating case studies, and facilitating discussions in a dynamic, flipped classroom. The author emphasizes in her teaching that social workers are positioned as human rights-focused practitioners, noting that the law, not infrequently, contravenes basic human rights standards, or is not enforced with an overarching human rights-based ethos or approach. Ethical and reflective human rights-focused social work practice in Australia is vital within this country marred by deepening inequalities and the on-going destructive processes of colonization.

Book Review: Multidimensional human behavior in the Complex social environment: Decolonizing theories for social work practice

Book Review: Multidimensional human behavior in the Complex social environment: Decolonizing theories for social work practice

Filicide Involving Mothers—An Analysis of Case Reviews in England and Scotland 2016–2020

ABSTRACT This article uses a literature review of maternal filicide by the author [Davies, A. (2022). Mothers who kill their children: Literature review and reflections for social work practice. Practice: Social Work in Action. https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2022.2090535] as a framework to undertake a content analysis of 39 Case Reviews of filicide involving mothers found in the NSPCC repository between 2016 and 2020. The research aims to establish which categories of filicide involving mothers were evident and what associated factors were present in the Case Reviews, in order to establish what might be learned for practice, policy and further research with children and families. The Case Reviews were also subject to a thematic analysis to identify any other associated factors. The methodology and limitations of the study are explained first. The data is then analysed and discussed, followed by a conclusion about the themes found. This article seeks to add to the existing research in this area of Social Work practice and to support learning for all professionals working with children and families.

LGBTQ+ Sociopolitical Engagement: Examining the Role of House Ball Community Involvement and LGBTQ+ Community Connection.

Recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and political elections have highlighted the power of a socially and politically engaged society. One under-researched cultural pillar at the core of sociopolitical resistance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of color (POC) has been the House Ball Community, a dynamic subculture made up of intricate social networks. This study uses data collected for the Social Justice Sexuality Project (N = 246) to examine LGBTQ+ community connection and House Ball Community involvement as predictors of LGBTQ+ and intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Two continuous variables, community connection and sociopolitical engagement (consisting of separate scales about LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ POC), were included in the analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between these variables. While community connection was significantly associated with both scales of sociopolitical engagement, House Ball involvement was only associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Relative to community connection, House Ball involvement was more strongly associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Findings suggest that House Ball involvement may influence behavior for LGBTQ+ POC. Authors discuss implications for intersectionality in social movements and culturally responsive direct, community, and systems-level social work practice within the current U.S. sociopolitical landscape.

TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIMISM AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIAL WORK: ANALYSIS AND PERSPECTIVES

The article initiates by addressing the profound impact of technological optimism on the domain of social work. It underscores the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of recent research and publications spanning from 2017 to 2023. By focusing on this timeframe, the study aims to identify emerging trends and emphasize the contemporary relevance of the subject matter. The primary objective is to elucidate the dynamic interplay between technological advancements and the roles and responsibilities of social workers within society.The research methodology employed in the study is described in detail. It outlines how the research design was meticulously crafted to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject matter. The narrative of the empirical analysis process is provided, highlighting the steps taken to gather and analyze data. Specifically, the article examines the ways in which innovative technologies influence the methods utilized by social workers and their interactions with clients. This methodological approach allows for a robust exploration of the topic, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the subject.The outcomes of the research are presented, revealing pivotal insights and trends gleaned from the analysis. These findings underscore the urgent need for the adaptation of social work practices to align with the modern technological landscape. By elucidating the intricate interplay between individuals and technology within the realm of social assistance, the study sheds light on new opportunities and challenges faced by social workers. The discussion of results provides a comprehensive overview of the implications of these findings for the field of social work.The article concludes by offering comprehensive reflections on the implications of the study. It highlights the importance of continued exploration and adaptation in response to ongoing technological advancements. Additionally, the article outlines prospective avenues for further research, emphasizing the need for continued examination of the convergence of social work and technology.