Pregnant Adolescents: How do Social Worker's assess their parenting capacity?
Bruce, Gabrielle Claire
This item is not available in full-text via OUR Archive.
If you would like to read this item, please apply for an inter-library loan from the University of Otago via your local library.
If you are the author of this item, please contact us if you wish to discuss making the full text publicly available.
Cite this item:
Bruce, G. C. (2017). Pregnant Adolescents: How do Social Worker’s assess their parenting capacity? (Thesis, Master of Arts). University of Otago. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/7302
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/7302
Abstract:
It is the role of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) Social Workers in Aotearoa New Zealand to decide whether pregnant adolescents have the capacity to raise and effectively parent their children when reports of concern are received. This research identified issues that Social Workers consider when assessing adolescent parental capacity and how their views and opinions influence practice and decision making. Social Workers’ assessments were considered through a qualitative research study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven CYF Social Workers across New Zealand. The research found that assessment and decision making is subjective and based upon a number of factors, including the informal and formal supports in place and the capacity of the young person. Supervision and Consults were not fully utilised to support Social Workers’ decision making. Residential parenting programmes featured as a potential intervention from the baby’s birth. There was a high frequency of pregnancy due to rape or unlawful sexual connection raising ethical questions regarding paternal family involvement in assessment and decision making. Social Workers’ beliefs about adolescents raising children varied, with themes of empathy for the young person and concerns about egocentrism emerging.
Date:
2017
Advisor:
Atwool, Nicola
Degree Name:
Master of Arts
Degree Discipline:
Department of Childhood and Youth Studies
Publisher:
University of Otago
Keywords:
pregnant adolescents; teen parents; child protection; care and protection; child protection assessment; social work; social work decision making
Research Type:
Thesis
Languages:
English
Collections
- Sociology, Gender and Social Work [241]
- Thesis - Masters [4213]