Is Ignorance Really Bliss?
CHILD WELFARE WORKERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT THEIR
UNDERSTANDING OF BEST PRACTICE WHEN WORKING WITH
CHILDREN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
© BriAnna Simons
A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Social Work - School of Social Work
Memorial University of Newfoundland
May 2013
St. John’s Newfoundland
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 welfare workers’
understanding of best practice when working with children and their families 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 systematic
dilemma 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.
ABSTRACT
