Social workers’ perceptions of restorative approaches with families in cases of elder abuse: a qualitative study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-12-2018-0029 |
| Published date | 30 May 2019 |
| Date | 30 May 2019 |
| Pages | 190-200 |
| Author | Carole Anne Kirk,Campbell Killick,Anne McAllister,Brian Taylor |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
Social workers’perceptions of
restorative approaches with
families in cases of elder abuse:
a qualitative study
Carole Anne Kirk, Campbell Killick, Anne McAllister and Brian Taylor
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore professional perspectives on restorative approaches with
families in elder abuse cases.
Design/methodology/approach –Data were gathered from 37 soc ial workers in statutory and voluntary
organisations throug h nine focus group sessions in one reg ion of Northern Ireland. A thematic a nalysis was
undertaken and themes were derived from the data using NVivo software.
Findings –This paper reports main findings under the themes of engaging families and service users;
managing risk in working with families in adult safeguarding; and challenges for professionals in practice. A
key finding was that professionals felt challenged personally and professionally in managing the risks and
working with families in these highly complex cases.
Originality/value –Investigative approaches have their limitations in relation to adult abuse situations. This
study adds to the existing knowledge base, identifies potential practice developments and discusses the
challenges in adopting restorative approaches with families in elder abuse cases. The study highlights the
need for further specialist training. Managers should consider the creation of specialist teams with a focus on
alternative or restorative approaches with families.
Keywords Mediation, Focus groups, Social work, Elder abuse, Adult safeguarding, Adult protection,
Family care conference, Family group conference
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The complex structure of families requires flexible, empowering, person-centred approaches in order
to safeguard older people most effectively. Punishing offenders (who may often be family members
with caring roles) may be detrimental to the care of the older person. Restorative approaches are seen
asamoreconstructivesocialalternativetopunitive systems in some situations of abusive
relationships with older people. The aim of restorative justice approaches is to restore or recreate the
relationship between the offender and the victim (Church Council on Justice and Corrections, 1996).
By enabling victims to “tell their story”, the intention is to reconcile offenders and rebuild social
relationships (Groh and Linden, 2011). Varieties of restorative approaches, such as family group
conferences, family care conferences (FCC) and family mediation, are emerging as complementary or
potential alternatives to formal processes. These place significant value on building capacity and
resilience within families by working in partnership to identify realistic and achievable options in
situations where abuse has occurred. In some instances, this abuse may have been perpetrated by a
close family member who will continue to play an ongoing role in the older person’s life. Following a
brief literature review on the topic, this paper presents the findings of a study of professional
perspectives on family-based restorative approaches to elder abuse.
Received 17 December 2018
Revised 16 March 2019
10 May 2019
Accepted 20 May 2019
The authors are grateful to the
management and staff of the
Northern Health and Social Care
Trust and Women’s Aid (County
Antrim, NI) who supported this
project and would like to extend
particular thanks to the
participants from both
organisations who took part in the
focus groups.
Carole Anne Kirk is based at
Department of Social Services
Learning and Development,
Northern Health and Social
Care Trust, Antrim, UK.
Campbell Killick is based at the
Department of Social Work,
University of Ulster, Belfast, UK.
Anne McAllister is based at
Department of Social Services
Learning and Development,
Northern Health and Social
Care Trust, Antrim, UK.
Brian Taylor is based at the
University of Ulster, Belfast, UK.
PAGE190
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THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
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VOL. 21 NO. 3 2019, pp. 190-200, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203 DOI 10.1108/JAP-12-2018-0029
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