Child-centered social work practice - three unique meanings in the context of looking after children and the assessment framework in Australia, Canada and Sweden
Author
Summary, in English
This paper explores different orientations to child-centered social work as conveyed in the training materials and guidelines of Looking After Children and Assessment Framework in Australia. Canada and Sweden. 'Child centered' is shaped by contextual factors and influences social work practices. We found differences in these approaches as needs based and/or rights based and in relation to how each emphasizes the three P's Provision, Protection and Participation. Substantial differences were identified both in how references to a child-centered approach appear in theoretical frameworks, values, motives and use of concepts in training materials and guidelines, and in the instructions given as to how to apply these approaches. It appears that Australia balances needs and rights, while Canada is more needs-oriented and Sweden more rights-oriented. Swedish materials show a more explicit emphasis on participation than Australian and Canadian materials. Differences between the three countries indicate the importance of structural, contextual factors shaping orientations to child-centered practice. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Department/s
Publishing year
2010
Language
English
Pages
452-459
Publication/Series
Children and Youth Services Review
Volume
32
Issue
3
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier
Topic
- Social Work
Keywords
- Child centered
- Assessment framework
- Participation
- Provision
- Protection
- Looking After Children
Status
Published
Research group
- Den sociala barnavården
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0190-7409