Invandrares syn på och upplevelser av socialtjänsten

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to examine immigrants' experiences of social services' treatmentand their expectations of social services. In this study we have used the following questions:how immigrants have experienced the treatment of the social service, the way in whichimmigrants would like to be treated by social services as well as what kind of beliefs andexpectations immigrants have concerning the social services' duties and powers. We haveused a qualitative method in the study that consists of ten semi-structured interviews. Thetheoretical concepts we have used are culture, ethnicity, cultural competence, professionalismand social psychology. The survey reveals a majority of negative experiences, such as afeeling of being “tossed around”, suspicion and discrimination by the caseworkers due to theethnicity of the respondents. In the positive stories of social services, the caseworker hasgiven room for error, been readily available, proven commitment and understanding and hasbeen helpful. The respondents expressed a wish for a joyful caseworker who will show anunderstanding and commitment to the client. The caseworkers will also have an understandingof immigrant client's background. It also appears in the study that the respondents generallyhave inadequate knowledge of social service duties and powers. We suggest further researchon why information about social services do not reach out to immigrant clients, how culturalcompetence can be introduced more in practical work and how to reduce the high staffturnover in caseworkers.