Becoming summoned to, visit and exit a "Barnahus" from Child Perspective
Ann-Margreth E. Olsson
Kristianstad University
Ann-Margreth E. Olsson is a senior lecturer in Social Work at Kristianstad University. She holds a PhD in Systemic Practice from the University of Bedfordshire, UK, as well as master’s degrees in social work, teaching methods, and systemic leadership and organisation (MSc). Her major fields of research are social work, children’s participation, child welfare investigations, Barnahus, military families; soldiers, veterans and their extended families, and systemic and dialogical coaching and supervision.
Maria Klafverud
Kristianstad University
Maria Kläfverud, PhD candidate in social work. Her PhD is part of the research project “Children in Barnahus – an interdisciplinary study into child perspectives” at the Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Kristianstad University. Maria is admitted to the PhD program, in social work, at the School of Social Work at Lund University.
Abstract
The institution ‘Barnahus’ [Children’s House] have been established in the Nordic countries in purpose to improve the investigations and collaboration of involved agencies in protecting children in suspicion of being... [ view full abstract ]
The institution ‘Barnahus’ [Children’s House] have been established in the Nordic countries in purpose to improve the investigations and collaboration of involved agencies in protecting children in suspicion of being victims of serious crimes of abuse. Sometimes children visit Barnahus with their parents. In Sweden when custodians or related persons are suspected, children can be summoned to Barnahus without the custodians’ knowledge or consent. This study include visits with and without parents. The aim is to focus on children’s understanding of becoming summoned, visit and exit a Barnahus, and to use a child perspective in exploring the context of Barnahus. This dialogical participatory action research study is conducted on initiative and in collaboration with the involved social welfare organisations in 5 municipalities and the other agencies of a Barnahus. Methods in use are observations at Barnahus, interviews with children respectively persons accompanying children to and at Barnahus including parents, safety persons and welfare case workers. The study also includes regular feedback and inquiries in a consultative expert panel of Barnahus. The results show scarcity in the invitation of the children as well as in children’s exit and social workers’ approach of the children when the police interview is over. When summoned children are not becoming involved, consulted nor given information about what is going on or why. Children, not assessed needing any immediate protection, are risking leaving Barnahus without having met their social worker or having continuing support or information secured. In the middle of not becoming involved before and after Barnahus, children are expected to perform, take responsibility and act in the upcoming police interview. Children’s understanding of the house become: A child friendly place with toys, videos and journals, fruit drink and biscuits, friendly policemen, and a scary part, the police interview. We discuss possible improvements.
Authors
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Ann-Margreth E. Olsson
(Kristianstad University)
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Maria Klafverud
(Kristianstad University)
Topic Area
Child Protection Systems and Strategies at local, national and international levels
Session
Oral4 » Session1-Multidisciplinary Interagency Approaches (11:00 - Monday, 2nd October, Europe 1 Room)
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