Experiences of first-generation West African parents on raising children in Sweden : Understanding the perspectives and challenges to enhance social work practice.

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of first-generation West African parents raising children in Sweden from social work perspectives. The study investigated the experiences of first-generation West African parents raising children in Sweden that are of relevance to social work. In addition, what ways can social work in Sweden be enhanced to support first-generation West African parents raising their children in Sweden? The study was conducted through a qualitative research design since the focus is to interpret first-generation West African parents’ perspectives and to obtain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The findings reveal that first-generation West-African parents face distinctive challenges when raising their children in Sweden to meet dogmatic and legislative requirements in relation to child protective services of the Swedish host society. Therefore, several means such as family therapy, educating the West African parents, cultural competence, etc. are proposed as tools to enhance social work practice. Better yet, they are proposed to ensure social inclusion for West African parents.