One unique feature of the social work profession is the centrality of the person-in environment perspective. The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of social work services to internally displaced persons (IDPs). This research is a qualitative study, conducted with 15 social workers in Nigeria. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the participants in Abuja. Results show that social work services are largely inadequate to address the broad range of needs, issues, and concerns of displaced persons. Feasible suggestions that consider the intersectionality between people and their social environment are offered to social workers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature review
Method
Results
Limitations of the study
Discussion
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Objectives & Research Themes
This study aims to examine the nature of current social work services provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and to discuss potential strategies for delivering more adequate support within this context.
- Experiences of social workers in providing services to IDPs
- Challenges and barriers in the delivery of support services
- Application of the ecological model in displacement settings
- Potential for multidisciplinary collaboration and policy advocacy
- Impact of the non-legalization of the social work profession
Excerpt from the Book
Theme 1: Social work service as a relevant support system
Social workers’ views regarding their professional role, to a significant degree, influences their self-esteem which, in turn, shape the nature of the services they provide and how much these services are effective. The participating social workers viewed their services as absolutely crucial to stabilizing and supporting displaced persons.
Subtheme 1.1: Profoundly crucial
In relation to the relevance of their services to supporting displaced persons, the participants mentioned that their expertise and experience combined with their unalloyed commitment to IDPs signified that their services were crucial to assisting displaced people:
It is difficult to imagine what will happen if we don’t provide the kinds of services we do. Getting our friends [displaced persons] back on their feet is our primary task… so, on this note, what we bring to the table is highly crucial to their well-being. (Social worker, Female).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a global context on internal displacement and outlines the specific research purpose regarding social work services in Nigeria.
Literature review: Examines previous studies on service delivery to displaced persons, highlighting current gaps in support systems and theoretical foundations.
Method: Details the qualitative research design, participant selection, and data collection procedures used in this study.
Results: Presents the five major themes identified from the interviews, including service relevance, current nature of support, and operational challenges.
Limitations of the study: Discusses the absence of IDP perspectives and logistical constraints during the recruitment process as study limitations.
Discussion: Synthesizes research findings with existing literature and discusses the impact of social work education and the remedial model on practice.
Recommendations: Suggests future research directions and emphasizes the necessity for the professionalization of social work in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s contribution to understanding social work interventions for IDPs and suggests potential improvements for future practice.
Keywords
Social work, internally displaced persons (IDPs), person-in-environment perspective, ecological framework, advocacy intervention, Nigeria, humanitarian aid, mental health, professionalization, service delivery, multidisciplinary teamwork, policy advocacy, trauma counseling, social justice, resource mobilization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This research examines the nature and efficacy of social work services provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, focusing on the experiences of practitioners working in the field.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers themes such as the relevance of social work as a support system, current service components, challenges like burnout, structural barriers to service delivery, and future outlooks for professional practice.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to describe the experiences of social workers supporting IDPs and to explore methods for delivering more effective, integrated services.
Which methodology was employed for the study?
The study utilized a qualitative research design, employing semi-structured interviews with 15 social workers in Abuja, followed by a thematic content analysis.
What does the main body address regarding service challenges?
The main body discusses impediments such as insufficient organizational resources, lack of inter-agency cooperation, poor recognition and reward systems, and the non-legalization of the social work profession.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The study is characterized by terms like social work, internally displaced persons, ecological framework, advocacy intervention, and Nigeria.
How does the ecological model inform the intervention strategies?
The ecological model encourages social workers to move beyond individual-level therapeutic interventions to address the environmental, structural, and macro-level factors that affect IDPs' well-being.
What is the significance of the non-legalization of social work in Nigeria mentioned by participants?
Participants highlighted that the lack of legal status undermines their professional prestige, limits their influence in policy arenas, and results in other professionals and agencies not showing adequate respect for their specialized expertise.
How can social workers better support IDPs in terms of policy?
The study suggests that social workers should engage in policy advocacy and political action to influence lawmakers, ensure better access to resources, and hold the government accountable for the welfare of displaced populations.
- Quote paper
- Amadasun Solomon (Author), 2019, Social Work Services for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/490934
