A holistic approach in child welfare – a question of humanity and love

This article aims to explore the significance of humanity and love in social work, examining the connection between these values and the challenges of adopting a holistic perspective in social work practice. This issue will be discussed by drawing on both theoretical perspectives and examples from research in the Child Welfare Service (CWS) in Norway. The article will examine Spinoza’s concept of holism and Maturana’s universal understanding of love as a driving force in human communities. These theories can offer new and valuable insights into the core values of social work. The contribution of research from CWS builds on focus groups and individual interviews with social workers, providing insight into challenges of working holistically and what love means in the context of child welfare practice. The article’s discussion is centred around the questions of how humanity and love can serve as core values in a holistic view, and what conditions within the welfare system may threaten a holistic approach in social work practice.