European Journal of Social Work
Volume 19, Issue 6, 2016, Pages 901-916

Collaboration patterns among Swedish professionals in the repatriation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking refugee children: an explorative study [Samverkansmönster bland svenska professionella aktörer i arbetet med ensamkommande asylsökande flyktingbarns återvändande: En explorativ studie] (Article)

Sundqvist J.* , Ögren K. , Padyab M. , Ghazinour M.
  • a Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, Basic Training Programme for Police Officers, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
  • b Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
  • c Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
  • d Basic Training Programme for Police Officers, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Abstract

This study explores patterns of collaboration between Swedish professionals involved in the repatriation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking refugee children. A qualitative case study methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 20 statutory social workers, social workers at care homes, police officers, Swedish Migration Board officers, and legal guardians. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. The results showed low levels of collaboration among the professionals and the use of different strategies by the professionals to manage their work tasks. Patterns were found among the professionals: some tended to isolate themselves from interaction and acted on the basis of personal preference, and others tended to behave sensitively, withdraw, and become passive observers rather than active partners in the repatriation process. These behaviours made it difficult for the relevant professionals to employ dignity and efficiency in the repatriation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking refugee children. © 2015 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Collaboration Refugee children Sweden Repatriation Unaccompanied children

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84941662263&doi=10.1080%2f13691457.2015.1082981&partnerID=40&md5=11aa3b6d71046ebac6ecee76ebc5bd26
DOI: 10.1080/13691457.2015.1082981
ISSN: 13691457
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English