Citation

Gallagher M, Smith M, Wosu H, Stewart J, Hunter S, Cree VE, Wilkinson H. Child Welf. 2011; 90(4): 117-134.

Affiliation

University of Glasgow.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Child Welfare League of America)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22413383

Abstract

This paper reports findings from practitioner-led research on engagement with families in the child protection system in Scotland. Engagement is here defined in a participative sense, to mean the involvement of family members in shaping social work processes. Key findings include the importance of workers building trusting relationships; the value of honest and clear communication, information, and explanation; and the potential for formal structures such as reports and meetings to hinder family engagement. These findings contribute to a growing critique of managerialism in social work.

Language: en