Decisions in Child Protection—Heuristics, Law and Organisation

Author:

Ebsen Frank1,Svendsen Idamarie Leth1ORCID,Thomsen Line Pape1,Jørgensen Susanne1

Affiliation:

1. Institute of Social Work, University College Copenhagen , Kronprinsesse Sofiesvej 35, 2000 Frederiksberg , Danmark

Abstract

Abstract With theories of heuristics and decision-making ecology as our analytical lens, we examined social work practitioners’ use of heuristics (rules-of-thumb) as a response to real-world situations, emphasising the legal framework and how the work was organised. The data comprised eleven exploratory and follow-up group interviews with thirty-nine social workers and team leaders, observations of 108 decisions in child cases during eighteen meetings, and an analysis of fourteen case files in two Danish municipalities. Open, interpretative coding was used within a systemic approach, using Fish et al. (2008). Three heuristic rules guided decisions in all cases: (i) Form and maintain the first impression. (ii) When in doubt or disagreement, wait. (iii) Avoid parents’ resistance. Key takeaways are that these heuristics help social workers and managers and are connected to satisficing strategies as a natural response to legal and organisational factors. However, the heuristics can also lead to a lack of transparency, delayed interventions and other kinds of bias. We point out the need for understanding such patterns through an extended research to facilitate better and timely feedback to practitioners on their decisions.

Funder

National Board on Social Welfare

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Social Sciences (miscellaneous),Health (social science)

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