3 The potential of practice research to advance a framework for protective support and supportive protection (PS-SP) with children, young people and families
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Carmel Devaney
Abstract
This chapter outlines the development of a framework for ‘protective support and supportive protection’ (PS-SP) through practice research in collaboration with children, young people and families. Grounded in ecological and life course theory, the framework critically engages with socio-economic factors like poverty and discrimination. It emphasises a holistic approach, considering the life course and the intergenerational connections of children and families. The framework aims to balance ‘sense’ (knowledge and reasoning) with ‘sensibility’ (dialogue and partnership) in child welfare interventions.
Currently, the framework is grounded in ‘Mode 1’ research, focusing more on theoretical sense than practical sensibility. To advance, it is essential to engage practitioners in active research that tests, evaluates and critiques the framework. This requires moving beyond data and procedures to incorporate a strengths-based approach that emphasises dialogue between practitioners, young people, and families.
The chapter proposes that the PS-SP framework offers a foundation for improving child welfare practices but must be tested through a collaborative, practice research approach. While this approach may not fully resolve the complexities of balancing support and protection, it has the potential to enhance and transform the existing knowledge base in child welfare.
Abstract
This chapter outlines the development of a framework for ‘protective support and supportive protection’ (PS-SP) through practice research in collaboration with children, young people and families. Grounded in ecological and life course theory, the framework critically engages with socio-economic factors like poverty and discrimination. It emphasises a holistic approach, considering the life course and the intergenerational connections of children and families. The framework aims to balance ‘sense’ (knowledge and reasoning) with ‘sensibility’ (dialogue and partnership) in child welfare interventions.
Currently, the framework is grounded in ‘Mode 1’ research, focusing more on theoretical sense than practical sensibility. To advance, it is essential to engage practitioners in active research that tests, evaluates and critiques the framework. This requires moving beyond data and procedures to incorporate a strengths-based approach that emphasises dialogue between practitioners, young people, and families.
The chapter proposes that the PS-SP framework offers a foundation for improving child welfare practices but must be tested through a collaborative, practice research approach. While this approach may not fully resolve the complexities of balancing support and protection, it has the potential to enhance and transform the existing knowledge base in child welfare.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- List of figures and tables xi
- Notes on contributors xii
- Introduction 1
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Sense and Sensibility as epistemology for social work
- Reflections on the possibilities and challenges offered by a social model of protecting children 19
- The virtuous cycle of using supportive measures to reduce red tape and meet families’ needs 35
- The potential of practice research to advance a framework for protective support and supportive protection (PS-SP) with children, young people and families 51
- Rethinking the concept of institutionalisation in child protection 69
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Sense and Sensibility as practice
- Towards a collaborative and innovative practice improvement paradigm in child protection? 93
- Participative and Transformative Evaluation: children, families and practitioners as co-researchers through ‘reflective thinking’ processes 114
- Community mapping as a participative tool to enhance informal social support: possible pathways for practitioners 134
- The training of trainers as a way to share sense and sensibility in the P.I.P.P.I. programme 156
- Care leavers in the Italian child protection system: from action research to advocacy of more inclusive policies and relationships 174
- A mind for learning and innovation 191
- Communication as the backbone of intervention with group programmes in the child protection system: exploring challenges and tools 214
- Epilogue 231
- Index 234
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- List of figures and tables xi
- Notes on contributors xii
- Introduction 1
-
Sense and Sensibility as epistemology for social work
- Reflections on the possibilities and challenges offered by a social model of protecting children 19
- The virtuous cycle of using supportive measures to reduce red tape and meet families’ needs 35
- The potential of practice research to advance a framework for protective support and supportive protection (PS-SP) with children, young people and families 51
- Rethinking the concept of institutionalisation in child protection 69
-
Sense and Sensibility as practice
- Towards a collaborative and innovative practice improvement paradigm in child protection? 93
- Participative and Transformative Evaluation: children, families and practitioners as co-researchers through ‘reflective thinking’ processes 114
- Community mapping as a participative tool to enhance informal social support: possible pathways for practitioners 134
- The training of trainers as a way to share sense and sensibility in the P.I.P.P.I. programme 156
- Care leavers in the Italian child protection system: from action research to advocacy of more inclusive policies and relationships 174
- A mind for learning and innovation 191
- Communication as the backbone of intervention with group programmes in the child protection system: exploring challenges and tools 214
- Epilogue 231
- Index 234
