Perception of Limitations and Dilemmas of Social Workers from Centres for Children and Familie

Julia Fricova

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The paper answers the question of what the limitations and dilemmas perceived by social workers are in the implementation process of SPODaSK measures in outpatient and outreach forms in centres for children and families. THEORETICAL BASE: We began the paper based on the most recent research on problems faced by social workers working with families and methods to deal with those problems. METHODS: We collected further research data through semi-structured interviews based on our qualitative research design; we then interpreted and analysed that data thematically. OUTCOMES: The research returned categoric formulations of social workers’ perceptions of the common constraints and dilemmas related to social work practice in child and family centres. Based on the research results, we found that performance constraints in social work can occur on the part of the social worker, on the part of the institution, on the part of the client, on the part of society, or other entities as well. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The results of the research and the proposed recommendations for practice can contribute to the improvement of social workers’ positions and conditions in Slovakia, as well as the quality of assistance provided to clients of the centres for children and families.

Keywords
centre for children and families, dilemmas in social work, limitations in social work, family and social work

p. 87-101