Socialtjänstens arbete med pojkar som begått sexuella övergrepp

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to examine how one can understand the experiences that social workers within the social service's have of children who have committed sexual assault against other children, and the social workers’ thoughts about the choice of actions and the family involvement in those actions. The study has a qualitative character. Information was obtained through interviews with social workers within two Swedish counties, and the analysis of the results was based on earlier research findings as well as theoretical aspects, such as systemic theory and salutogenesis. Regarding the actions taken for the target group, the social workers have, in many ways, a systemic perspective as they emphasize elements within the child as well as within the family. It is also shown that the collaboration with other authorities affects the choice of actions, and that it is important to involve the entire family in any interventions, so that the effect of those interventions may last over time. With salutogenesis as a base, it is shown that the social workers’ experience the subject area as abstruse, but they have different ways of making it more comprehensible and manageable for themselves. To summarize, there is a shortage of research in this area. The knowledge base for this problematic issue must be strengthened, so that children with sexual behavior problems can be identified and get help at an early stage. Then they also have a better chance of successful treatment which could help reducing the incidences of sexual assault.