Action research in local authority practice

Abstract

In Denmark social work has been widely criticized, mostly by Danish local authorities performing social work among children and adolescents. The criticism has been centred on social work not being sufficiently qualified and not meeting the standards set by politicians and legislation. This criticism has led to a growing political and societal pressure to professionally upgrade social work in this area, thereby making practice more knowledge-based. One way to do this could be the use of interactive research targeting the professional development of social work practice among local authorities. The article presents a concrete action research project in a large Danish local authority, involving the professional development of social work practice with at-risk families.