A way of decolonising child protection in Kalaallit Nunaat by centring Indigenous voices through lived experience

Jensen, Bonnie and Allen, Dan and Nielsen, Elias and Thomassen, Sofie (2026) A way of decolonising child protection in Kalaallit Nunaat by centring Indigenous voices through lived experience. Child Abuse Review. ISSN 1099-0852 (Accepted for Publication)

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Abstract

This article explores pathways for decolonising child protection in Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) by centring Indigenous voices through lived experience. Drawing on a collaborative pilot study with two care experienced adults, the article generates preliminary insights into Indigenous perspectives on Out-of-Home Care (OHC). The findings highlight how colonial legacies continue to shape child welfare systems. These legacies often marginalise Indigenous families and perpetuate cycles of trauma and exclusion. Through participatory methodology and co-authorship, the study amplifies the voices of those directly affected by OHC, revealing systemic challenges and offering culturally grounded, community-led solutions. Four key themes emerged; Voice and Representation; Root Causes of High Placement Rates; The Cycle of Knowledge Gaps and Hope, Agency and Vision for Change. Each illustrated the need for relational accountability, visibility, and empowerment. The findings support current scholarship calling for a greater focus on Indigenous self-determination and epistemic justice, aligning with global calls for rights-based, culturally safe child protection. A new Socio‐Ecological Model for Change contributes practice-relevant recommendations for policy reform and advocates for the inclusion of care-experienced adults.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Education
Depositing User:	Dan Allen
Date Deposited:	28 Oct 2026 14:40
Last Modified:	28 Oct 2026 14:40
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/5003

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