The dilemma : an analytic and comparative study on social work practice regarding contact between children in residential settings and their parents

Abstract

This study delved into the actions, experiences and perspectives of ten social workers (both field and residential) and their cases regarding children placed in residential care settings. In particular, the study focused on analyzing, exploring and comparing the concrete actions/interventions adopted by social workers in order to encourage or discourage the relationship between children in residential settings and their parents. Reference to literature focused on attachment, parent-child relationships, arguments for and against parental contact, and also literature addressing issues of parental contact in terms of social work practice. The findings obtained through a method of semi-structured interviewing were analyzed, focusing on issues such as theory-based practice, and also circumstances and situations where parental contact was either encouraged or discouraged, followed by motivations behind such decisions. The study then proposes a set of recommendations regarding social work practice that aim at addressing the relationship between parents and children, and hence adopting a holistic approach to practice.