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An evaluation of the child protection system in Türkiye: challenges, solutions, and opportunities

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  • Karaveli, Rukiye
  • Akbaş, Gamze Erükçü

Abstract

This study employed a phenomenological design to explore the perspectives of social work academics (n = 14) and practitioners (n = 17) on the child protection system in Türkiye. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, and data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Two overarching themes guided the analysis: (1) perceived challenges in the Turkish child protection system and (2) recommendations for enhancing child protection practices and services. Findings indicated a lack of systemic integrity, insufficient implementation of rights-based approaches, and deficiencies in legislative enforcement and preventive services. Key issues included poor inter-agency coordination, an ambiguous definition of the social work officer role, the absence of case management and supervision mechanisms, inadequate service models, and disregard for merit-based recruitment. Recommendations included expanding school-based social work, assigning social workers to primary healthcare settings, enhancing family support services, and institutionalizing case management and supervision systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Karaveli, Rukiye & Akbaş, Gamze Erükçü, 2026. "An evaluation of the child protection system in Türkiye: challenges, solutions, and opportunities," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925005481
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caroline McGregor & Carmel Devaney, 2020. "A Framework to Inform Protective Support and Supportive Protection in Child Protection and Welfare Practice and Supervision," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-23, April.
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