Social Workers and Families: An Italian Perspective on the Family-Centered Approach

Purpose: The present work addresses the transformation process occurring within the services for minors regarding the relationship with families. This qualitative study aims to explore family-centered practice (FCA) by analyzing the practitioner's perceptions of social work with families in daily practice in the context of Italian social welfare. Methods: The authors conducted six focus groups with 38 social services workers and used grounded theory methods to elicit perceptions of the meaning and complexity of the transformation based on the statements of those performing social work with families. From the textual data, codes were identified and grouped into conceptual categories. Results: The authors defined two macro-categories called “Aims in practitioner's work with children and families” and “Tools in work with children and families”, which reflect the participants' attitudes and behaviors. Conclusion: Professionals and service providers can use our findings to reflect on current conceptualizations of family involvement and FCA in their work and to recognize possible psychological barriers to achieving family participation.