Social workers perceptions of play techniques in social work assessment

Abstract

This is a qualitative study about the perceptions and experiences of social workers who make use or have made use of play techniques. The method of data collection consists of eight in-depth structured interviews with eight social workers working with children, however in different settings. The data collection was designed to gather the perceptions and experiences of social workers who make use or have made use of play techniques in the social work assessment. The key finding of this study is that social workers interviewed perceive play techniques as enabling social workers‟ assessment and enabling children deal with challenging situations. Social workers also commented on some hindering factors they face. This study includes recommendations made by the social workers themselves alongside those emerging from the data gathered. Findings highlight the importance of the use of play techniques with children locally since the use of play techniques tend to be underutilized in Malta.