Is ignorance really bliss?: child welfare workers speak out about their understanding of best practice when working with children exposed to domestic violence

Simons, BriAnna Justine (2013) Is ignorance really bliss?: child welfare workers speak out about their understanding of best practice when working with children exposed to domestic violence. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The most recent Canadian Social Survey, completed in 2009, reports 6% of Canadians who responded have experienced spousal violence within the preceding 5 years (Statistics Canada, 2011). This research study focuses on child welfa re workers' understanding of best practice when working with children and their famil ies after a child has been exposed to domestic violence. A sample of ten social workers within the Nova Scotia child welfare system was selected and interviewed about their experiences working with children exposed to domestic violence. A grounded theory approach using a multi-stage coding process was used to analyze data. The theoretical findings indicate that in child welfare it is perceived that "Ignorance is Bliss". A personal and systematicdilemma faced by child welfare workers is revealed in determining what best practices are, the implications of services on outcomes, and ideas for change in addressing children 's exposure to domestic violence.

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