Prioritising Cases in Youth Care: An Empirical Study of Professionals’ Approaches to Argumentation

Deciding about priority cases in waiting lists is a controversial activity. However, it is a well-known challenge for many social workers. This article addresses two questions related to this problem: how do social workers, as moral agents, experience the policy context in which they must prioritise cases, and what stance do they take towards it? Building on a previous study where a practice of case prioritisation was observed, semi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 11) to explore these questions. The data were analysed through an inductive process of deepening interpretation. The findings paint a picture of ambivalence: the professionals adhere to the policy guidelines of neutrality, priority for the worst-off and equal application of criteria, which are at the same time contradicted by their lived experience. The decision-making process appears to be much more contextual, particularistic and interpretative than the policy guidelines suggest. Questions are raised as to why this reality remains hidden after a discourse of simple rule-following.

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Prioritising Cases in Youth Care: An Empirical Study of Professionals’ Approaches to Argumentation

Cited by 2 publications

References 39 publications

Social work in an assembly line? The development of specialisation in child welfare and further internal division of work between 2003 and 2018

Social work in an assembly line? The development of specialisation in child welfare and further internal division of work between 2003 and 2018

Recognising or Minimising Ethical Trespass? An Exploration of Professionals’ Moral Agency in Prioritising Cases

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