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ABSTRACT
In social work, when a person needs to be supported or represented by another – be it voluntarily or by compulsion, permanently or for a limited time – questions on autonomy, integrity, and rights are raised. In particular, representation has implications for the relationship between the person being represented, the representative, and the social worker or service provider. While legal reforms on support and representation have been performed in the Nordic countries the last decade, views from those being represented, i.e. their needs and wishes on different forms of representation, have not been prominent. Using this as a starting point, this literature review explored previous research on experiences of people represented by others, e.g. people with intellectual disability, people with mental illness, and children needing representation by a third party. The literature review encompassed relevant studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, and a range of policy and legal areas. Four databases were used in the search process (Academic Search Complete, ASSIA, SocIndex, and Sociological Abstracts). Based on inclusion criteria, eight articles were included in this review, encompassing experiences of people with intellectual disability, people with mental illness, and children needing representation by a third party. Two recurrent themes relevant for social work were identified: the balance between protecting and violating rights, and the importance of lasting and trusting relationships between the person being represented and the person representing. The review revealed a need for more social work research, not least from a Nordic perspective, reflecting the experiences of people being represented.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).