Activity-based communication in child welfare services: An observational study of child-professional encounters

Abstract Face-to-face interactions between child welfare (CW) professionals and children are often overlooked. This study explores these interactions within the Norwegian in-home support context, specifically focusing on direct encounters with children under twelve in in-home support settings. In Norway, in-home CW measures provide family-centred support through tailored interventions, allowing children to remain at home while receiving assistance. Despite extensive research on the professional roles in child and family social work, there is a gap concerning the nuanced communication practices that occur during interactions between children and CW professionals. This article aims to explore how CW professionals and children engage during group activities and reflect on the impact of these interactions on CW practice. This ethnographic research involved six months of observations, including informal conversations and weekly group activities with a total of thirteen professionals and twelve children aged seven to twelve. The findings reveal a dynamic interplay of physical space arrangement, engagement strategies, and activity-based methods that support child involvement and build positive relationships and trust. The study emphasizes the need to develop professional communication skills that are authentic and empathetic, advocating for a child-centred approach in CW policies and practices.