Syskon i skymundan : En kvalitativ studie om yrkesverksammas arbete med att stödja syskon till barn med funktionsnedsättningar och/eller kroniska sjukdomar

Sammanfattning

Siblings of children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses pose a risk of being overlooked and negatively affected without adequate support. The aim of this study is to examine how professional social workers and other related professionals in Sweden identify, recognize and support siblings of children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. The study aims to furthermore analyse how professionals' perspectives, knowledge and organisational frameworks influence sibling support. The study is based on qualitative research of eight semi-structured interviews with professional social workers and other related professionals across four municipalities in Sweden. The empirical data was analysed through thematic analysis and further interpreted in relation to Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and Lipsky’s theory of street-level bureaucracy. The findings show that professional experience in social work, professional judgement and relationship building skills are central within this professional field. Professionals report having a systematic perspective and offer sibling support at an individual and group level. Limitations present in terms of the organizational resources. The participants reported an ambivalent perception of structured work practices and professional autonomy. Areas of development mentioned by the participants are an increase of: group activities, economical resources, time allocated for sibling support, knowledge, expertise and research in this field of study.