British Journal of Social Work
Volume 47, Issue 5, 2017, Pages 1517-1533

Divergent practices in statutory and voluntary-sector settings? Social work with asylum seekers (Article)

Robinson K.* , Masocha S.
  • a School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
  • b School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia

Abstract

The landscape for social work is continually changing and working with asylum seekers remains a highly charged and contested area of practice. This paper compares the role of social workers working with asylum seekers in statutory and voluntarysector settings in the UK. Institutional practices suggest a divide between statutory settings and charitable organisations. However, based on empirical qualitative research and in-depth interviews with thirty-four social workers in Scotland and the south-east of England that explored dominant discourses influencing their practice, we suggest considerable similarities in the different sectors. Austerity measures for local authorities (LA) and voluntary agencies have resulted in the closure of specialist teams and reduced funding for social workers. Findings highlight politicised dominant narratives when working with asylum seekers and we argue for alternatives that promote a more nuanced perspective of entitlement and human rights. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Voluntary sector Asylum seekers Statutory sector human rights Social work

Index Keywords

England narrative organization funding Social Work qualitative research human rights interview asylum seeker institutional care human Scotland

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85037061003&doi=10.1093%2fbjsw%2fbcw105&partnerID=40&md5=90ddf95816f295deceee121e4f1384d7

DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcw105
ISSN: 00453102
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English