Standing at the crossroads: Child safeguarding and Deaf BSL parents (in England)—Issues and challenges in social work

Abstract Focussing on Deaf parents using British Sign Language (BSL) in England, this article shares perspectives of Child and Family social work practitioners (CFSWs) across a large urban area, through the lens of cultural competence. In an under-researched field, it explores linguistic and cultural aspects of working with Deaf parents, for whom English is not their first language, in the specific context of parenting assessments in child safeguarding procedures. Individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted by the researcher (in BSL) with seven CFSWs using English, involving a sign language interpreter. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the assessment process when it involves Deaf parents and/or other cultural-linguistic minority groups. Employing Braun and Clarke’s reflective thematic analysis method, the findings are grouped into three themes: CFSWs’ knowledge of working with Deaf people; cultural aspects relating to Deaf parents’ understanding of safeguarding/child protection proceedings; and meeting the communication and cultural needs of Deaf parents. The results identify several factors in current practice which impact CFSWs’ competence to carry out an assessment involving a Deaf BSL parent. Findings highlight the need for relevant training and resources developed specifically for this cultural minority group. Future research including the direct perspectives of Deaf parents is indicated.