Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-3-2016
Publication Title
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
Volume
34
First Page
493
Last Page
505
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand social workers’ roles in meeting the sexual and relational health needs of children (aged 3–11) with disabilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 social workers from a range of practice settings. A phenomenological lens privileged the perspectives of social workers in their definitions of disability and sought to convey the meaning they assigned to their experiences of working with children in practice concerning matters related to sexual and relational health. Social workers enacted a broad definition of disability and often came to work with youth in contexts labeled as sexually problematic. In the provision of sexual health services, social workers embodied commonly adhered to roles including as practitioners, enablers, advocates, brokers, and managers. Services are needed that promote positive sexuality and relational health among children with disabilities. It is important that social workers be proactive advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities as equal sexual citizens.
Recommended Citation
Rueda, H.A., J. Bolin, S., Linton, K.F. et al. Social Workers’ Roles in Supporting the Sexual and Relational Health of Children with Disabilities. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 34, 493–505 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-016-0469-x
Comments
This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-016-0469-x
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