Community Engagement and Involvement: Identifying Research Priorities Needed to Safely Reduce the Number of Children Living in Out-of-Home Care in Kalaallit Nunaat

Allen, Dan and Jensen, Bonnie (2026) Community Engagement and Involvement: Identifying Research Priorities Needed to Safely Reduce the Number of Children Living in Out-of-Home Care in Kalaallit Nunaat. British Journal of Social Work. ISSN 1468-263X

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Abstract

In Kalaallit Nunaat, the proportion of children placed in out-of-home care (OHC) is more than four times higher than in other Nordic countries. This overrepresentation places a significant emotional burden on children, families, and communities, as well as considerable pressure on the national child welfare system. Although the underlying causes of the number of children placed in OHC in Kalaallit Nunaat have been the subject of some research, debate and critical analysis, comparatively little attention has been paid to the range of actions needed to safeguard children within the family home. Adopting a narrative research strategy, this seed-funded study draws on the experiences and perspectives of a Greenlandic Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) group to identify priority areas for social work research. By identifying seven research objectives, each designed to investigate how colonisation and structural inequalities are influencing family life and shaping social work practice, this article introduces the foundational framework needed to identify and inform the actions needed to safely reduce the number of children placed in out-of-home care in Kalaallit Nunaat.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	© The Author(s) 2026.
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Dan Allen
Date Deposited:	15 May 2026 15:11
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 15:11
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/4884

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