Double trouble : Maltese social workers' perspective on the abused disabled child

Abstract

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it analyses the perception of the social workers who work at the Child Protection Services Unit (CPSU) when working with disabled children. Secondly, it explores the challenges faced by these social workers throughout the social work process while working with abused disabled children. A qualitative research design was adopted by carrying out individual interviews with six social workers that work at CPSU. Each interview was based on a particular case that involved a disabled child. Before such interviews took place, the researcher analysed the record files of these cases in order to gain more information about the social workers' experiences. Common emergent themes from solely one research tool - semi structured interview, were identified and analysed. Literature was also utilised to clarify and substantiate ideas and arguments. The findings suggested that the social workers found it particularly challenging to work with disabled children. Furthermore, the absence of communication between the worker and the disabled child and the conflicts with other professionals were two of the challenging factors that the workers faced throughout the social work process. Several recommendations were put forward to address, in a holistic manner, this yet locally unexplored phenomenon.