Science or Discretion? Factors that Influence Social Workers’ Decision-making in Rendering Foster Care Services

Scientific decision-making or discretion: what are the factors that influence the decision-making processes of social workers rendering foster care services? Social workers are required daily to decide whether a child at risk of harm and neglect should be moved to alternate care. A well-considered decision can result in positive outcomes, but a poorly conceived decision can have dire consequences for the child, biological parent and foster parents. This article is based on a study that investigated the factors that influence the decision-making processes of social workers rendering foster care services. The study employed a qualitative approach and a collective case study design. The population of the study was social workers and their supervisors rendering foster care services to government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Gauteng, South Africa. Purposive sampling and triangulation of data collection methods were used, namely, case file analysis and semi-structured interviews with social workers and supervisors. Both deductive and inductive data analysis approaches were adopted. Ethical clearance was obtained for the study, and before the commencement of data collection, participants were fully briefed about the study, and informed consent was obtained. Trustworthiness was addressed during the study. The findings on the factors influencing the decision-making process in the assessment phase, the placement phase, and the supervision phase will assist social workers in becoming more aware of factors that can consciously or unconsciously influence their decision-making. This will result in more uniform, transparent, and informed decision-making regarding the provision of foster care services.