Collaboration Between Social Workers and Music Therapists in a Child Welfare Context for Unaccompanied Refugee Children

A Focus Group Study

作者

  • Ole Kristian Einarsen The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Viggo Krüger The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORCE (Norwegian Research Center), Bergen, Norway
  • Ingunn M. S. Engebretsen Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care (IGS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Brynjulf Stige The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Polyfon Knowledge Cluster for Music Therapy, Bergen, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v24i3.4071

关键词:

unaccompanied refugee children; community music therapy; social work; interdisciplinarity; sustainability; task-shifting/task-sharing, children’s rights

摘要

Migration poses a complex global challenge, particularly for unaccompanied refugee children. In Norway, almost all of these children suffer from mental health issues and face settlement challenges. These young people are placed in care homes within the child welfare system, where they have the right to participate in cultural activities, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Research indicates that cultural activities, such as music, are beneficial for their well-being, yet access is often limited. Social workers play a crucial role in addressing these needs. This study explores how social workers reflect on the role of music in their work with unaccompanied refugee children, and the implications of this role for music therapy. We conducted semi-structured focus group interviews with eight social workers experienced in child welfare services. Thematic analysis, using the Stepwise Deductive-Inductive method, was applied. Social workers noted that music helps young people cope with emotions and facilitates dialogue. Organised cultural initiatives provide nonconfrontational spaces promoting safety and belonging. However, social workers highlighted the need for knowledge, resources and competences linking music and health. The findings are discussed in the context of community music therapy, emphasising the role of music therapists as catalysts and supervisors in integrating cultural activities within child welfare.

Author Biographies

Ole Kristian Einarsen, The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

Ole Kristian Einarsen is a PhD candidate at The University of Bergen. He is connected to the Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), where he is currently working on the project: Music, Health and Policy—a qualitative music therapy project related to unaccompanied refugee/migrant children

Viggo Krüger, The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORCE (Norwegian Research Center), Bergen, Norway

Viggo Krüger works as research leader and associate professor at the Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, University of Bergen, and NORCE (Norwegian Research Center). Krüger has published books, book chapters and articles on topics such as child welfare, education and mental health.

Ingunn M. S. Engebretsen, Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care (IGS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

Ingunn M. S. Engebretsen, Professor at the Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care (IGS), University of Bergen has done extensive health research with partners in low- and middle-income countries focusing on child health, nutrition and development. She leads the Global Mental health research group.

Brynjulf Stige, The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Polyfon Knowledge Cluster for Music Therapy, Bergen, Norway

Brynjulf Stige, Professor of Music Therapy at the University of Bergen and Head of Polyfon Knowledge Cluster for Music Therapy, Norway. Main interests of research include music therapy theory and philosophy, mental health, and community music therapy.

Authors_4071 Einarsen et al

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已出版

2024-11-01

How to Cite

Einarsen, O. K., Krüger, V., Engebretsen, I. M. S., & Stige, B. (2024). Collaboration Between Social Workers and Music Therapists in a Child Welfare Context for Unaccompanied Refugee Children: A Focus Group Study. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 24(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v24i3.4071

栏目

Research