Social Worker and Midwife Decision Making Regarding Child Protection Risk and the Unborn Baby: A Qualitative Study

A newborn baby is vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and the professional role may involve assessment before the baby is born. The aim of this paper is to explore the perspectives and experiences of midwives and child protection social workers regarding the protection of unborn babies within Northern Ireland. Data were gathered using four focus groups (14 midwives and 16 child protection social workers) within one Health and Social Care Trust. The data were analysed in terms of understanding risk factors and forming a professional judgement. The mental wellbeing of the pregnant woman, drug use, alcohol use, domestic violence, the pregnant woman's childhood experiences, gestation period and antenatal care attendance were the main risks identified. Observations, engaging with the pregnant woman and using ‘soft intelligence’ were key aspects in forming a professional judgement. The appraisal of the ability of the pregnant woman to recognise danger was an important moderating factor, and perhaps formed part of a professional judgement heuristic to assist in making sense of wide‐ranging information about diverse risks. ‘Explore[s] the perspectives and experiences of midwives and child protection social workers regarding the protection of unborn babies within Northern Ireland’Key Practitioner Messages Identified risk factors included mental wellbeing, age, feelings about the pregnancy, drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, the pregnant woman's childhood experiences, gestation period and antenatal care attendance. Pregnant women were unable to recognise the dangers in misusing illegal or prescription drugs, excessive alcohol consumption and initiating/maintaining relationships with sex offenders. Key skills in forming a professional judgement involved engagement with the pregnant woman, professionals' experience and observations, and the use of ‘soft intelligence’.