Social workers’ perceptions of the ability to meet the challenges faced by families ‘on hold': findings from a national survey of family centres

Similar to several other European countries, Sweden has received families fleeing war, persecution, and forced displacement in recent decades [IOM. (Citation2020). World migration report 2020]. In recent years, family centres have become increasingly involved in supporting families living in temporary conditions after migration. However, little is known about how social workers perceive these families’ situations or how preventive social work can best respond to their needs. Drawing on data from a national survey, this article explores social workers’ perceptions of the challenges faced by families with young children post-migration and the types of support that can improve their living conditions. Findings indicate that these challenges are closely linked to temporality, characterised by temporary living conditions and a life ‘on hold’, creating insecurity and powerlessness. Although respondents recognised that families require support in navigating welfare systems and service networks, the practices they most commonly reported focused on strengthening parenting. Respondents nevertheless considered universal and group-based interventions to be the most valuable, as these approaches facilitated network navigation, strengthened social support, and improved families’ access to welfare services. The findings highlight the need for preventive social work that extends beyond parenting support to address the broader structural consequences of temporary post-migration living conditions.