The aim of this project was to investigate the relationship between poverty and social inequality and child welfare interventions, such as children becoming ‘looked after’ or placed on the child protection register.
Overview
There is international evidence about the connection between poverty and child maltreatment but only recently has research on this topic been undertaken in the UK. This research shows, from analysis of administrative data, stark differences between child welfare intervention rates according to the relative deprivation of communities. Less is known about how this connection between deprivation and child protection plays out on the ground in local authority responses to children in need. A recent four nations UK study funded by the Nuffield Foundation included mixed-methods case studies of local authority social work teams, in all the UK nations except for Wales.
The intention was to undertake a similar study in Wales, where the social gradient of intervention is highest of all UK nations and overall intervention rates are higher than in England and Northern Ireland, despite the latter country being more deprived than Wales. Little is also known about what kinds of material help can contribute to preventing child maltreatment. The study also focused on this issue.
Activities and Methods
The study consisted of two strands of activities:
Strand One
Mixed-methods case studies were conducted in two Welsh local authorities to examine the relationship between neighbourhood deprivation and social work practice, although this work was impacted by the pandemic. Social work teams were selected on the same criteria as comparable studies in the rest of the UK. Research methods used within the case studies included: a review of existing demographic and deprivation data; mapping of resources analysis of policy and guidance; observation; quantitative analysis of throughput and outcomes; semi-structured interviews with front-line staff and decision makers; and focus groups with social workers. Framework analysis was used to compare case study data across sites.
Strand Two
Mapping and summarising the nature of welfare advice services in Welsh local authorities.
Findings
The study’s main findings were summarised in the following open access paper:
Lead Person
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Martin Elliott |
Academic Staff
| Researcher | Dr. Philip Smith |
| Researcher | Prof. Jonathan Scourfield |
Related Information
| Related Schools | Department of Sociological Studies, Sheffield University; Sheffield Methods Institute, Sheffield University |
| Related partners | Prof. Kate Morris – Sheffield University Dr. Will Mason – Sheffield University Dr. Calum Webb – Sheffield University |
| Funders | Health and Care Research Wales |
| Related links | Child Welfare Inequalities Project – Coventry University |