DECODING CHILD WELFARE PRACTICES: THE OBSERVATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate landscape of child welfare services (CWS) practices, shedding light on the diverse factors that influence their emergence and evolution. Central to this exploration is an in-depth analysis of a simulated child service investigation, aimed at unraveling the underlying determinants that steer the investigation towards a specific trajectory, distinct from alternative paths. Building upon prior research demonstrating remarkable consistency in CWS investigations across cases, agencies, and caseworkers (Aamodt, 2015), this study extends the inquiry to elucidate the origins of these distinctive practices. The article proposes a novel analytical framework for comprehending the formation of welfare practices, offering valuable insights into their nuanced dynamics.