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Ethnic biases and risk for discrimination in child welfare investigations in Sweden: Caseworkers perceptions on assessment variability and participatory conditions for client families

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  • Grim, Katarina

Abstract

Drawing on 14 in-depth interviews, the current study examines CWS caseworkers’ perceptions of factors that may influence assessments and decisions in CWS investigations involving ethnic minority families. By applying theoretical perspectives for analyzing the occurrence of discriminatory practices and conditions of participation, a further aim was to explore whether assessment and decision variability in CWS involving ethnic minority families may involve discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Grim, Katarina, 2025. "Ethnic biases and risk for discrimination in child welfare investigations in Sweden: Caseworkers perceptions on assessment variability and participatory conditions for client families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:176:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925003093
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maguire-Jack, Kathryn & Cao, Yiwen & Yoon, Susan, 2018. "Racial disparities in child maltreatment: The role of social service availability," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 49-55.
    2. Emily Keddell, 2014. "Current Debates on Variability in Child Welfare Decision-Making: A Selected Literature Review," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-25, November.
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