Working with children at risk in the perspective of symbolic interactionism (IS) and situational action theory (SAT)

Abstract

This paper indicates how practice (treatment, social work) may benefit from the application of notions deriving from symbolic interactionism and Situational Action Theory. I conducted interviews with therapists from a day care treatment centre. The centre offers educational assistance and counselling to children and youth aged from three to eighteen. In the article I present four methods of treatment of children and youth at risk (including juvenile offenders), which I draw from the analysis of in-depth interviews. The professionals who would benefit from applying the ideas presented in the article are probation officers, social workers, counsellors, street workers, and therapists.