A theory of care for social work with families

This chapter introduces and discusses the relevance of care theory and care ethics for social work with families. The basic ontologies and epistemologies of care theory and care ethics are outlined as well as recent international research on the possibility of care in social work with families and particularly in statutory social work in child protection. In this context, the power relations as well as the potential for conflict constitute a significant challenge that may be exacerbated by the ‘ruling relations’ of the current governmental climate. This chapter offers an illustrative case example of how institutional prioritisation and changes in the distribution of attentiveness to needs challenge caring practices in social work. Finally, the chapter describes the preconditions and qualities of caring social work with families.