The Actual State and Challenges of Child Advocacy by School Social Workers: Case Interviews Regarding Team Schools’ Response to Child Abuse

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to objectively examine the practice of child advocacy in team schools’ response to child abuse and the potential of school social workers as bearers of “formal advocacy.” Specifically, this paper conducted interviews with school social workers and conducted a qualitative analysis to clarify the actual state and challenges of child advocacy by school social workers.

The analysis resulted in three significant findings. (1) The practice of child advocacy is to restore children’s agency through the case management process. (2) To practice child advocacy in schools, it is necessary not only to provide direct support to children but also to involve teachers, staff, and parents, create change in schools, and to mold schools and parents into a team that supports children. (3) The current state is that there are time and position limits for the above activities, and that school social workers are conflicted by the school’s perception of them as an “occasional visitor” and their own feelings that they should not be too outspoken.