Roles of Social Workers working with unaccompanied minors: Experiences of Social Workers in Gothenburg

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of social workers working with unaccompanied minors, using experiences of social workers in Gothenburg. It sought to understand how social workers perceive unaccompanied minors, what the roles of social workers working with unaccompanied minors and the challenges that social workers come across while working with unaccompanied minors. Six In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with social workers working in different settings, two social service social workers, two social workers working in residential homes, one school social worker and one social worker that has worked both at social services and in a residential home. This study applies role theory and resilience theory. The study concludes that social workers perceive unaccompanied minors as individuals, with unique needs, pass experiences and expectations. The roles of social workers working with unaccompanied minors differ from one organisation to the other. Social workers working at social service are more of case managers, those working at residential homes are integration agents while school social workers are guides into the Swedish school system and offer counselling. Social workers advocate for unaccompanied minor differently. Social workers face various challenges while working with unaccompanied minors, they come through interaction with the unaccompanied minors, colleagues, other actors, and the system. Role theory explains that Roles of social workers are influenced by interaction of social workers with unaccompanied minors and expectations of the profession. Resilience theory explains that through education and professional development social workers endure the challenges they face int their work. Finally, social workers working in different settings need to work together more to improve service provision for unaccompanied minors.