A comparative study on investigation, assessment and decision-making in child protection. Does Signs of Safety contribute to improved practices?

The Signs of Safety model is used by social services in many municipalities in Sweden to investigate families where there are concerns that children may be harmed. Although the model is very popular, there is a lack of scientific studies on its effects. This study aims to contribute to knowledge by increasing our understanding of Signs of Safety and how it affects the work of social services. This includes how information is collected and how social workers involve parents, children, and others in the investigation, assessment, and decision-making process. The study also looks at which interventions are carried out and aims to identify the conditions under which the model makes a difference. The results of this study are expected to be a support for municipalities that use or want to use the model.