Competing Discourses: Educators' and Child Welfare Workers' Perspectives on Interprofessional Collaboration

• In Event: 64.043 - Interprofessional Education

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study of the perceptions of educators, and child welfare workers regarding the identification of barriers to educational success for children in care. The interface of child welfare and education systems with respect to educational experiences of children in care necessitates effective inter-professional collaboration. However, it appears that the linkages between these two systems remain tenuous, and contribute to poor educational outcomes. The need for inter-professional collaboration on behalf of children is one means by which to address the inequities in educational outcomes wherein children in care appear to be less of priority. Interviews were held with 34 education and child welfare professionals. Findings from this study suggested that competing discourses prevent inter-professional collaboration.

Authors

• Kathryn Ann Levine, University of Manitoba

• Dawn L. Sutherland, University of Winnipeg

• Melanie D. Janzen, University of Manitoba