We will always think, ‘is this the right decision?’ Norwegian child welfare workers navigating the uncertain project of reunification

Abstract

Family reunification following out-of-home placement is an increasing priority for the Norwegian Child Welfare Service (CWS) following European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judgements highlighting a right to family life and inadequate supports and visitation for parents to promote reunification. In response to these judgements, Norwegian policy has been strengthened to emphasise reunification as a preferred outcome. However, little is known about how, and to what extent, these policy shifts have influenced CWS professional practice, including enhanced reunification support and visitation for parents. This qualitative study, based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eight CWS professionals from across offices in Norway, explores CWS professional perceptions of these policy shifts and its impact on professional practice. Findings suggest these political and legislative changes impact CWS professional attitudes and professionals’ positioning as they adjust to new reunification practices and uncertainties in reunification work. The Ecological model of Professional Identities (EPI model) is used to explore CWS professionals positioning at an individual, theoretical and systemic level and the intersecting dilemmas associated with reunification efforts. This study highlights the challenges and possibilities experienced by CWS professionals as they respond to rights-based policy shifts that address wider CWS system inequalities, offering new insight into the complexities and opportunities associated with transitioning to more equal and inclusive CWS systems. Implications for effective policy implementation and reunification practices are discussed.