Independent experts in care order proceedings: a scoping review

Greve, Rakel Aasheim; Jørgensen, Tone; Christiansen, Øivin; Samsonsen, Vibeke; Braarud, Hanne Cecilie

doi:10.1080/13691457.2022.2155800

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The research also shows that judges rely heavily on experts in care proceedings (Agenda Kaupang, 2015; Bufdir, 2021; Haugli & Nordhelle, 2014). A recent scoping review of independent experts in care proceedings indicates that the professional chasm between experts and the user of the experts' reports poses a challenge within the care proceedings (Greve et al, 2023). The review revealed that judges tend to evaluate the experts' evidence as scientific and impartial, yet they may not have sufficient competence to properly appraise the experts' reports.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The review revealed that judges tend to evaluate the experts' evidence as scientific and impartial, yet they may not have sufficient competence to properly appraise the experts' reports. However, the quality of experts may vary and their methods have limitations (Greve et al, 2023). Judicial decision‐makers have mixed experiences with the quality of the information provided by the experts (Kollinsky et al, 2013; Tilbury, 2019) and report areas of improvement for such experts (Skivenes & Tonheim, 2019).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Areas of debate include how much the expert evidence should be weighted in court, which qualifications the experts should have (Bala et al, 2017; Melinder et al, 2021; Richman, 2005) and how the expert may best inform the court (Bogacki & Weiss, 2007; Stevenson, 2012; Tillyard QC, 2012). In reviewing the literature (Greve et al, 2023), we find little knowledge of the use of independent experts from the social workers' perspective, as much of the literature focuses on either the expert (e.g., Blacker et al, 2016; Connell, 2008) or the court (e.g., Bainham, 2009; Erickson et al, 2007). To fill this research gap, we have chosen to explore the role and contribution of independent experts in care order proceedings from the social workers' perspective by analysing focus group discussions (FGDs) and utilizing theory of expertise.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social workers' perspectives on the role and function of independent experts in care proceedings in Norway: Contributions and devaluation

Greve

Christiansen

Jørgensen

2023

Child & Family Social Work

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Independent experts are commonly used in child protection care proceedings to assess families and contribute to a sound basis for care order decisions. Yet the role and function of these experts varies across contexts, with issues raised concerning the quality and impact of their reports. Based on six focus group discussions (FGDs) with child welfare service (CWS) social workers in Norway, this study aims to advance the understanding of how independent experts are used when it comes to child protection. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, which revealed that the social workers mostly found the experts' contributions useful in that they provide a fresh pair of eyes and reduce the complexities in a case. However, the use of independent experts also had some negative aspects. The social workers experienced that their competence was undermined in court and had some experience working with experts whose work was of poor quality, which was unrecognized by quality control measures. This study raises timely questions about the role of the expert and suggests a clearer distinction between the function of providing expert knowledge to complement the social workers' assessments and the function of providing an independent assessment of the family on behalf of the courts.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social workers' perspectives on the role and function of independent experts in care proceedings in Norway: Contributions and devaluation

Greve

Christiansen

Jørgensen

2023

Child & Family Social Work

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The Importance of Information Processing in Child Protection Cases—A Study of Social Workers’ Integration of Other Professionals’ Knowledge

Greve,

Persdotter,

Christiansen

et al. 2023

The British Journal of Social Work

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The processes used by social workers to collect, interpret and use stakeholder information in child protection cases are an unexplored but essential part of the decision-making process. This study focuses on social workers’ efforts to integrate the knowledge of other professionals. This article draws on a framework for managing knowledge across organisational boundaries and a process-oriented conceptualisation of knowledge integration. The analysis of ten interviews with social workers shows that the process of knowledge integration affects the basis of social workers’ decision making. We argue that knowledge possessed by other professionals is often viewed as easily transferrable and correctly received, when in fact this knowledge is often complex and subjective and requires extra effort to obtain, understand and integrate into case-specific situations. This implies a need to recognise information processing as an influencing factor in decision making within child protection that pertains to both practice and research.

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Sakkyndige psykologers refleksjoner om Barnesakkyndig kommisjons kvalitetssikrende funksjon

Nordanger,

Mæhle,

Christiansen

et al. 2024

TNPF

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The future of many vulnerable children depends on the quality of child welfare decisions, where reports from independent child welfare experts may carry considerable weight. Before these reports are used in child welfare decision-making processes, they are quality-assessed by the Expert Commission on Children. In the present study, 12 psychologists working as independent child welfare experts were interviewed about their experiences of the Expert Commission on Children’s quality assurance function. Based on qualitative thematic analyses, the informants’ statements were sorted into two main themes. The first main theme circled around experiences that the Commission enhances the quality of the experts’ work by having a ‘Sharpening support function’, contributing to a more unified and consistent practice. Under the second main theme, ‘What type of quality?’, concerns were raised that the Commission, due to lack of access to the factual basis of the reports, cannot accurately evaluate their professional or substantial quality. The informants suggested alternative quality assurance methods, such as feedback loops between the Commission and the experts, and that the Commission should instead undertake an in-depth examination of a smaller sample of reports. The findings are discussed in the context of the broader debate surrounding quality indicators for child welfare work. Keywords: independent expert, assessment, child welfare, quality assurance, Commission for child welfare experts

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Independent experts in care order proceedings: a scoping review

Cited by 3 publications

References 45 publications

Social workers' perspectives on the role and function of independent experts in care proceedings in Norway: Contributions and devaluation

Social workers' perspectives on the role and function of independent experts in care proceedings in Norway: Contributions and devaluation

The Importance of Information Processing in Child Protection Cases—A Study of Social Workers’ Integration of Other Professionals’ Knowledge

Sakkyndige psykologers refleksjoner om Barnesakkyndig kommisjons kvalitetssikrende funksjon

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