What works in video-based youth statutory caseworker supervision – caseworker and supervisor perspectives

ABSTRACT

This article concerns an approach to supervision for statutory youth casework. The model involves caseworkers recording a video of their meetings with their clients and sending it to an external supervisor. The supervisor selects video clips. They then hold an online meeting where they review the clips, and the supervisor gives feedback based on a standardized model. The caseworker then uses the feedback in their future practice and the cycle is repeated. 16 statutory youth caseworkers and 6 supervisors from three municipalities in Denmark participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences with the video supervision and feedback model. The interviews focused on facilitating and inhibiting factors with regard to the use of the model. A thematic analysis was conducted. Communication regarding the law, giving clients space to find their voice, and paying heed to how each relationship was progressing were emphasized as central focus points. Advice had to be concrete and achievable and come from supervisors with statutory experience. Participants highlighted the significance of viewing practice directly via video footage. Film clips used for feedback needed to be short and well chosen. The technology, logistics and infrastructure, including management support, were important. Findings were used to develop the model.

KEYWORDS:

• Supervision
• social work
• statutory
• casework
• training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funded by The Tryg Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Helle Birkholm Antczak

Helle Birkholm Antczak is a senior lecturer in Social Work at University College Copenhagen. Helle is a qualified social worker and has worked with children, young people and families in the public sector. She teaches and researches in the areas of child care, social work and communication.

Thomas Mackrill

Thomas Mackrill is a reader in Social Work at University College Copenhagen. Thomas is a clinical, research and consultant psychologist and has worked with a wide range of client groups in the public and private sector. Thomas’ research focuses on improving statutory social work, counselling, and working with vulnerable groups.

Signe Steensbæk

Signe Steensbæk is a senior lecturer in Social Work at University College Copenhagen. Signe is a qualified social worker and has worked with young homeless people in NGO’s and the public sector. She teaches and researches in the areas of child care, social work, communication and vulnerable young people.

Frank Ebsen

Frank Ebsen is a reader in Social Work at University College Copenhagen. He has been engaged in social work research for many years and worked with many different vulnerable groups in a wide variety of organizational settings. Frank is currently researching child protection, decision-making, while developing and implementing new ways of conducting casework.