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    A neurodevelopmental lens in child protection social work : understanding and addressing the impacts of adversity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Clark, Braden James Foster
    This research explores how child protection social workers understand and address the impacts of childhood adversity through the application of a neurodevelopmental lens. To achieve this, a practice research methodology was utilised. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were completed with three key informants (with expertise in the neurodevelopmental lens and/or te ao Māori) and 11 child protection social workers. The research drew on an ecological-transactional perspective. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings from the study extend the existing principles of the neurodevelopmental lens and suggest some new principles as being important to child protection social workers. The research findings provide a framework for child protection social workers to understand and address the impacts of childhood adversity. The principles informed the selection of interventions to address the impacts of adversity. This study highlighted the importance of social workers working across ecological systems to address the impacts of structural forms of adversity on children and families. The research proposes a model for child protection social work and recommends further research into the neurodevelopmental lens.
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    Social work encounters of the first kind : child protection social workers' experiences of preparing for, and meeting their clients for the first time : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Bowden, Sandra Eva
    This research investigates the experiences of child protection social workers as they prepare to meet the client families they work with for the first time. It is important to understand the experiences of social workers in child protection as first contact with clients is a critical time and the experience lays the foundation for any ongoing relationship. The study speaks to social workers experiences on the “front line” and adds to the body of knowledge evolving in the home visiting space. The study applied a qualitative framework and employed semi-structured interviews to gather rich, descriptive data of social worker experience. The results found that child protection social workers practice in an environment constructed as a neoliberal process that positions risk and mitigating risk as sacrosanct ahead of welfare or supporting families in need. This construction pervades the first contact space and constrains a social work process. Recommendations call for the reconstruction of first contact in child protection as a critically reflexive process that is relationship focussed and accounts for structural inequalities.
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    Experts in uncertainty : social work in child protection : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2008) Pakura, Shannon
    This research examines what motivates child protection social workers and the factors which support them to continue practicing in New Zealand's statutory agency, Child Youth and Family. Child welfare services are under stress with increasing workloads. The work is difficult and the hours are long. Workers manage ambiguity, uncertainty and they make judgments that no other agency or professional is called upon to make, within a system that requires them to constantly reassess priorities and Attracting and retaining workers in the child protection field of practice is a priority for Child Youth and Family. The thesis examines the motivating factors which encourage a social worker to remain practicing in the statutory child protection field. Understanding and strengthening these factors may assist New Zealand's statutory child protection agency; Child Youth and Family to increase the capability, capacity and experience of its professional workforce. Two methods were used to gather information for this study; in-depth individual interviews and a focus group. An inductive approach Was used to identify common themes and challenges. The key findings of the research showed that the quality of supervision and the relationships with one's supervisor and other professionals are critical. Self-care is a priority for the individual and operational policies must be clear, concise and accessible. Business and social work values guide the leadership of the statutory child welfare organisation. Workloads need to be manageable. Services to Maori require re-investment. A culture of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of the agency and its staff should be infused through out the organisation and the general public made aware of the efforts and hard work of these professionals. The findings have identified that the needs of statutory child protection social workers are modest. Providing the systems that help sustain them in their role and ensuring the support mechanisms are operating will assist Child Youth and Family to recruit and retain a competent, experienced and resilient workforce to support and provide services to New Zealand children and their families.