Social workers’ experiences of the use of experts in child protection cases: a comparative study from Norway and England

The use of independent experts varies by context, specifically in terms of the dynamics among experts, the child welfare services, and the legal system. This study enriches the current discussion of expertise in child protection cases, a subject that has received limited attention from the perspective of social workers. This explorative study delves into the experiences of social workers in child protection, comparing the use of independent experts in two settings: Norway and England. Comparing these two contexts allows us to better understand the different aspects of independent experts' roles and functions and provide a nuanced picture of their varying contributions. These stories from social work practice in these settings not only inform our understanding of the dynamics within these specific contexts but also spark enquiry into the broader dynamics of expert involvement in child protection cases.