Kunskap inom socialtjänsten: en studie om kunskapssynen inom IFO i en medelstor svensk kommun.

The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge within the social services. We narrowed the study down from general knowledge to scientifically produced knowledge and how the social workers relate to such knowledge. We aimed to see how the social workers perceive different knowledge and how they relate to the different sources of knowledge. We also examined the different factors that will enable and motivate social workers to stay updated with scientifically produced knowledge that is relevant to their work. We also examined what limits the ability or motivation for renewing ones knowledge. The questionnaires were sent out to 95 people, of whom 85 people from three different units within the Individual and Family care section at the social services responded. The three units work toward children and their families, adolescents and their families and adults. The social workers answered a questionnaire form that was sent out through e-mail and was collected in paper form a week later. All the participant responses were kept anonymous and the participants also had an opportunity to reflect freely at the end of the questionnaire. The most important conclusions we have come to is that scientific knowledge is as hard for our participants to define as it seems to be for other participants in other studies. The amount of work that the social workers have, limits them to seek and take part of scientifically produced knowledge. We also believe that if the scientifically produced knowledge were more accessible for the social workers, then they would have a greater opportunity to indulge themselves in it, which we believe would benefit the clients and the society in general