From genograms to peer group mapping: introducing peer relationships into social work assessment and intervention

Author:
Carlene Firmin University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK

Search for other papers by Carlene Firmin in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
Restricted access
Get eTOC alerts
Rights and permissions Cite this article

Despite evidence that young people’s peer relationships are associated with their experiences of abuse, child protection guidance directs social work practice to be primarily focused on the assessment of, and intervention with, families. Presenting data from two studies into the nature of, and safeguarding response to, peer abuse in England, this article questions the familial parameters of child protection frameworks, and evidences the need to include peer group relationships within social work assessment. Drawing on Bourdieu’s sociological theory, a conceptual framework is used to evidence that familial-focused practice fails to address the extra-familial social conditions in which peer abuse manifests. Complimenting an international evidence base that promotes ecological responses to adolescent welfare and social service development, this article suggests that advancing knowledge of peer group assessment and intervention should form a central part of the child protection research agenda.

Carlene Firmin University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK

Search for other papers by Carlene Firmin in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close

Content Metrics

May 2022 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 2209 975 95
Full Text Views 205 45 5
PDF Downloads 144 38 5

Altmetrics

Dimensions

Families, Relationships and Societies
An international journal of research and debate