Voices from the field: Exploring social workers’ experiences in supporting grandfamilies

Abstract This article explores the experiences of social workers in kinship foster care, particularly those supporting grandparents in the Czech Republic. Despite their pivotal role, the challenges they face remain underexplored in social work scholarship. Drawing on twenty-four in-depth interviews, the study uncovers the complexities of their work, highlighting how they balance legal obligations with personal relationships and emotional support. The text illustrates how social workers perceive their role, from building trust with grandparents and addressing daily challenges to seeking recognition for their work and a sense of self-accomplishment. It also sheds light on the often invisible efforts that extend beyond legal duties, revealing deeper goals. The text shows that their work is driven by the need to destigmatize and normalize family arrangements that do not conform to sociocultural norms, helping grandfamilies adapt to their new circumstances and navigate social expectations.