Children Involved in Child Protection: Hostile Attitudes as a Form of Agency.

What is it about?

Reflecting on the outcomes of two studies in Italy shows that children involved in child protection often feel powerless and have negative preconceptions about social workers. The social workers interviewed revealed that they are aware of these feelings, which they believe hinder their ability to build relationships with children and communicate effectively with them.

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Why is it important?

The hypothesis of this paper is that children express hostile attitudes towards the professionals they are in contact with in an attempt to regain a sense of agency and control as they feel totally powerless. Taking a positive approach to children's hostile behaviour could help to alleviate their sense of powerlessness and foster meaningful relationships between children and social workers.