To all future and current social workers out there!
In the article “Discretion and strategies for investigating child abuse, social workers’ conceptions of child Abuse Investigations and Police Reporting” (Chön, Heimer, Linnell, Ufford 2024). Swedish social services workers are working together with parents and children to address the complex issues around child abuse. The approaches and strategies used in the Swedish child welfare system may not cater to a child’s needs but support the best interest of the family. In countries like Canada, reporting child abuse to the police is mandatory, but in Swedish CW, it is used as a Plan B option. The article highlights that knowledge, authority and assistance from social service management is required in dealing with the complexity of investigating child abuse. There are many forms of child abuse parents are not aware of; for more information click this link : Child Abuse.
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Strategies
The article discusses how the country of Sweden has taken a different approach that differs from all other countries. The Swedish government has put a ban on disciplinary violence in the nation. Directly focusing on family-oriented services is an approach used to deal with child abuse cases. Reporting to police was viewed as an action that worsened an opportunity for restoring a relationship. The involvement of police only occurred when parents declined working and collaborating with services. The article speaks to the importance of working with families to address the complex issue of child abuse. working with parents through support programs is a strategy used to help move forward in the steps needed for child and parent reconciliation. As social workers, do you think this strategy helps address the needs of children?
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Report or not?
Based on the research presented in the reading, child placement rates in Sweden are below average, in comparison with other countries. 70.7% of child abuse investigations concluded with no results. only 13.9% of cases in Sweden’s CW were reported to the authorities. This article shares how a great amount of child abuse cases results in no actions being taken, it also mentions that child abuse does not need to be disclosed to the authorities, as it can bring harm and impact the overall environment of a case that’s family focused. Knowing when to report cases to the police is very important , for more information on reporting please check out this link : Duty To Report.
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What’s Best?
The article states that social services are required to achieve their child protection obligations, even with any criminal investigations. As social workers, you need to do what’s best for the child, whether it’s reporting to the police or engaging the child in family-oriented services. The article discusses the complexity of trying to serve parents and children as clients. Would you consider the family focus approach in a case like the unethical? Not sure? Look at the Canadian Social Work of Ethics to help guide your study and practice as a SW.