Doing the right thing and getting it right: professional perspectives in social work on supporting parents from gender diverse communities

Abstract

Background: Despite significant shifts in legislative, political, cultural and social contexts, which have improved our understanding of diverse gender identities and family life, this remains under-explored within social work and social care. Trans and non-binary (TNB) parenting experiences are marginalised within mainstream professional practice and action is required to address these inequalities.Aims: This study explored the practices and meaning of 'parenting' and 'caring' for care professionals in families with parents with diverse gender identities in the UK. It aimed to capture a snapshot of the current state of practice knowledge and perceived practice challenges. Methods: A qualitative study design involving thematic analysis from detailed consultation with twenty-five relevant stakeholders in the proxy roles identified from a systematic review (Hafford-Letchfield et al., 2019) on what is known about trans parenting from the research evidence. Results: The complexity of systems for supporting families creates barriers to change, with a lack of training and development in the knowledge and skills of the workforce. Intersecting these themes was a strong values framework and examples of best practice provided, which social workers can use to navigate, understand, and support TNB parents and their experiences, particularly at an individual level, as a means to effect change.Discussion: Focussing on human rights, tailoring work to the specific needs of individuals and families, and affirming the diversity of family life requires professionals to take active responsibility and be more accountable in educating themselves and others on these rights.

Professional Skills in Family Support: A Systematic Review

“…Eight studies emphasized technical skills, including confrontation skills ; motivational communication techniques (Schultz et al 2019;Stabler et al 2020); intervention techniques that take into account cultural diversity (Leake et al 2010;Lindsay et al 2014); intervention techniques for domestic family violence (Cort and Cline 2017;Dolan et al 2018), and trauma intervention techniques (Bosk et al 2020). Nine studies reflected on specific knowledge at the intervention level, such as understanding the family context (Brassart et al 2017;Gladstone et al 2014;Hafford-Letchfield et al 2020;Rawlings and Blackmer 2019), personalization and adaptation of the intervention to the family needs (Stanford et al 2020), psychosocial risk assessments (Alexander et al 2023;Trawver and Brocious 2023), and the use of specific assessment instruments (Rawlings and Blackmer 2019;Sletten and Ellingsen 2020).…”

“…The investigation process was not explicitly described. 80% Hafford-Letchfield et al (2020) Explore the practices and meaning of "being a father/mother" and "caregiving" for family care professionals working with parents of diverse gender identities in the UK.…”

“…Respect (Blue-Banning et al 2004;Hafford-Letchfield et al 2020;Torres and López 2015;Trawver and Brocious 2023;Whitton et al 2008); • Trust (Bernard and Greenwood 2019;Blue-Banning et al 2004;Saia et al 2020;Torres and The identified qualities can be developed and improved through learning experiences (Mešl et al 2023).…”