The theoretical knowledge base of Child Welfare and Protection: a social pedagogical perspective

PhD student: Dieter Oorlynck
Summary: An important pillar of Child Welfare & Protection (CWP) is the knowledge base that underpins these practices. It provides practitioners with theoretical frameworks, research and practical skills necessary to adequately address the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities. Historically and currently, CWP has been significantly shaped by clinical, psychological and individual approaches, which risk narrowing the focus to individual behavior and order thinking. This tendency is reinforced by neoliberalism, Evidence-Based Practice, treatment concepts and risk thinking. However, this approach has proven inadequate for addressing the many challenges and issues encountered in practice, leading to the potential marginalization of broader social concerns and ambiguity. This doctoral research seeks to explore which theoretical social-pedagogical knowledge base can serve as an inspiration for CWP practices.
PhD in Social Work
Promoter(s): Rudi Roose
Periode of time: November 2023 - November 2029