A study of the interface of child protection social workers and guardians ad litem in the Republic of Ireland

This body of work is concerned with the interface of child protection social workers and guardians ad litem in the context of the Republic of Ireland. This study was undertaken in an effort to understand the relationship between these two professional groups and subsequently the impact on their work. Specific research into this relationship has not been previously undertaken in Ireland. Two research questions were sought to be answered: what is the nature of the professional relationship between guardians and social workers and how does this interaction affect their work if at all? The research took the form of qualitative inquiry to seek meaning and depth from the information shared by social workers and guardians. To gather data for this study, semi-structured interviews (n=17) were conducted and participant observation was carried out for two days in the Children Court. Data were transcribed, imported into N-Vivo and analysed using thematic analysis. This was supported by an extensive literature review of national and international data. A number of themes and concepts were explored and used to support gaining understanding and insight into the data. These included ecological systems theory, role theory, power, inter-agency working and collaboration. The overall findings have shown that the nature of the relationship between social workers and guardians is complex. The relationship has emerged in an ad hoc way as a consequence of the absence, from the outset, of guidelines and structure of the guardian service. This is against the backdrop of a history in Ireland where child protection was surrounded by secrecy as well as a litany of revelations of abuse in the care of Ireland’s most vulnerable children. Despite this, the research shows that guardians and social workers agree on a shared purpose of securing the best outcomes for the children with whom they work. A number of factors have been identified as influencing their professional relationship and these are both from interprofessional and external sources. However, the data will show that social workers and guardians have found a way to navigate these tensions. Their mutual goal of delivering on a shared purpose, has facilitated them to forge a professional relationship that endeavours to prioritise securing the best outcomes for children.