Assessments of foreign language-speaking children’s well-being in Finland: a frame analysis of child welfare and family service supervisors’ accounts

Abstract

<p>This article examines accounts given by child welfare and family service supervisors about the assessment of foreign language–speaking children’s well-being following the receipt of a child protection notification or other referral. The data in this study consist of 17 interviews with supervisors across Finland conducted in 2021 and 2022. Using frame analysis, we identified four frames that represent multiple ways of describing assessment work with foreign language–speaking families. First, we identified and named three frames that emphasize special features of this work, which were language, culture and integration. In addition, we identified and named a universality frame, within which supervisors brought up general features of child welfare and assessment. Within this frame, interview participants expressed that, despite many differences, assessment practices are similar for everyone. Using different frames, the supervisors described their job from various perspectives and reflected upon the practical issues they face during the assessment process.</p>