An exploratory study: Investigating the socio-political and personal factors influencing social work decision-making in child exploitation cases in England

This thesis adds to the growing body of research relating to the sexual and criminal exploitation of young people in the extrafamilial context. The issue of child exploitation is a relatively recent development in child protection in England. Though a range of studies have explored young people’s experiences and the effectiveness of professional interventions, there remains a limited focus on the role of the social worker as the lead safeguarding professional.

This study argues that social workers hold a unique position in safeguarding young people at risk of child exploitation because of the legal duties bestowed on local authorities and their social workers.

Using constructivist grounded theory techniques, this study explores influences on social work decision-making. The research presents primary data from two contrasting local authorities in England. The research activities included the analysis of fifteen social work case files, where child sexual or criminal exploitation was a principal concern. The findings from the case file analysis were subsequently shared and developed further during two focus groups. The twelve research participants attending the focus groups were qualified social workers.

The study found that practices usually associated with traditional social work (including bureaucratic and managerialist systems) also influenced social work decision-making in the emerging area of child exploitation. The prescriptive nature of such practices routinely prioritised professionals’ views over those of young people, undermining opportunities for participation. Additionally, the study argues that a gender-biased approach to social work legislation and policy development has placed boys and young men, particularly Black boys and young men, at an increased risk of receiving a compromised safeguarding response. This thesis is exploratory and systems-based in its contribution. It explores influences on social workers via their interactions with young people, multi-agency colleagues, managers, and the social work profession. While this thesis aims to contribute towards developments in social work research, policy and practice, the findings may also interest other professionals working in child exploitation.