Reducing the need for child welfare interventions through additional income support: a qualitative analysis of Finnish social workers’ views

Abstract

Previous studies have found a link between the social disadvantage of families and child welfare involvement. Through financial support, a range of psychosocial problems in the families (or their escalation) can be prevented, although social disadvantage is a multifaceted phenomenon. This article examines Finnish social workers´ views on the significance of financial support in reducing the need for child welfare interventions. The study analyses the fundamental assumptions and issues of social work that social workers refer to when justifying their views on the matter. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of data collected by interviewing 23 social workers in different parts of Finland. Through the interviews, a diverse view of the significance of additional income support and child welfare services emerges. The interviewees raised matters related to concrete practices, family dynamics, and the principles of social work. The question of the use of additional income support as a means for preventing child maltreatment and the need for child welfare intervention appears to be controversial in the data. However, a shared understanding of the fundamental assumptions and issues of social work can be seen behind the different viewpoints. In particular, a shared view of the intertwining of families’ economic and psychosocial challenges, and the hidden nature of child maltreatment and social problems in families with children emerges. Overall, the research serves to emphasize the importance of professional discretion and long-term support in social work.