The experiences of frontline staff working with children seeking asylum

Dunkerley, D., Scourfield, Jonathan Bryn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-8158, Maegusuku-Hewett, T. and Smalley, Nina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3931-7729 2005. The experiences of frontline staff working with children seeking asylum. Social Policy and Administration 39 (6) , pp. 640-652. 10.1111/j.1467-9515.2005.00461.x

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Abstract

The focus of this paper is welfare professionals’ accounts of their work with children who are seeking asylum. The empirical basis is a commissioned study of children seeking asylum in Wales. As well as qualitative research with children (which is not discussed in this paper),  professionals took part in interviews and focus groups. This sample included staff from social services, health, housing, education, police and the voluntary sector. Research findings are presented in relation to the experience of these frontline staff. We attempt to identify some of the sites of tension and the nature of the professional dilemmas, as well as discussing the potential for the exercise of discretion to be exercised. We conclude that there is very little room for manoeuvre within the asylum system for welfare professionals, but that there is evidence of questioning and even minor challenge of current policy from frontline staff. We discuss the extent to which the professional dilemmas raised by the asylum system are of a different order from those experienced throughout social welfare work.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Asylum-seekers ; Children ; Welfare professionals
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
ISSN:	0144-5596
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2024 02:08
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/30781

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