Learning from each other. An autoethnographic exploration of two child welfare systems with a north-south perspective–Norway and Botswana

Abstract

This paper uses a collaborative autoethnographic approach to explore how the concepts of child welfare practice relating to child participation, family involvement, cultural and legal practices are experienced in Norway and Botswana child welfare systems. These concepts form the main themes of this paper and we critic them in light of the Global Typology of child welfare systems. Norway has a child rights protection system. We argue that Botswana falls in between a child exploitation protective system and a child maltreatment system. The paper demonstrates the following: Originality in developing own laws and structures seems to influence consistency in progress; Child protection systems are influenced by legal frameworks that need to be revised frequently; Adapting laws from external structures conflict with local cultural practices of value; Emphasis on kinship, family and community as alternative support systems helps to keep children within their natural network; When the welfare state does not promote genuine equity and equality for the general population, resources become more strained for children at risk. The intention of this paper, in making reflections on the Botswana and Norwegian child welfare systems, as well as our autoethnographic voices is to ignite similar autoethnographic research among scholars and practitioners.