Social workers' perceptions of children's right to participation

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a growing worldwide recognition for the need to incorporate children's right to participate into the child welfare system. Yet studies show that most children in the welfare system do not feel that they are listened to or that their opinions are taken into account. This paper presents findings from a study conducted among 151 Israeli social workers, examining their perceptions on children's participation. The study explored to what extent they implement this principle in their everyday practice and whether there is a relationship between their perceptions and their actions. The findings revealed that social workers tend to endorse a protective position with regard to children's participation and that they only partially implement children's right to participation in their daily practice.

Children’s Participation in Decision Making From Child Welfare Workers’ Perspectives: A Systematic Review

“…The social position of children has changed considerably in recent decades, recognizing children as social actors (McCafferty, 2017; Röbäck & Höjer, 2009). Nevertheless, despite legislation and policies obligating children’s participation, it remains a complex area of practice (Kosher & Ben-Arieh, 2019; Van Bijleveld et al, 2020).…”

“…Child welfare workers are seen as key persons for implementing the participation of children (Kosher & Ben-Arieh, 2019). On the other hand, they are also seen as an obstacle to the realization of a participatory ethos, imposing their own decisions as stated years ago by Healy (1998), which can still be said today.…”

The What, Why and How of Child Participation—A Review of the Conceptualization of “Child Participation” in Child Welfare

“…Differences in organizational cultures, understandings of their role and commitment between professionals cause major differences between municipalities, agencies and professionals in children's opportunity to participate (Healy and Darlington 2009;Pölkki et al 2012;Vis and Fossum 2015;Rap et al 2018;Kosher and Ben-Arieh 2019). The studies confirm inequalities between different CW practices, but they provide limited information on the contextual conditions of culture, organization, and work processes.…”

“…Intrinsic values, such as children's well-being, self-esteem, self-efficacy and self-confidence, were highlighted by 23 studies. It is argued that listening to children contributes to their resilience (Van Bijleveld et al 2014), encourages autonomy and agency (Križ and Roundtree-Swain 2017;Rap et al 2018) and good health for children in contact with CW and potentially protects them from abuse (Vis et al 2012;Cossar et al 2014;Dillon et al 2016;Muench et al 2017;Balsells et al 2017;Heimer et al 2017;Križ and Skivenes 2017;Saebjørnsen and Willumsen 2017;Kosher and Ben-Arieh 2019). Participation also gives children practice in taking responsibility for their own choices, which will help children make the right decisions and prepare for their futures as adults (Mitchell et al 2010;Healy and Darlington 2009;Dillon et al 2016;Van Bijleveld et al 2014;Muench et al 2017).…”

A child’s right to protection during the COVID-19 crisis: An exploratory study of the child protective services of Estonia

“…In the context of CPS, CPWs have the critical role of enforcing the child’s right to protection. This includes identifying, investigating and implementing measures according to children’s needs and facilitating support to help children and ensure their families’ well-being whenever in need ( Kosher and Ben-Arieh, 2020 , Zeijlmans et al, 2019 ). Frontline workers, including CPWs, are considered to be vulnerable themselves in the pandemic due to the lack of resources and possibilities to provide required services ( Williamson et al, 2020 ).…”