Today marked a pivotal day of reflection and research, as we leapt into the transformative process of creating a Theory of Change. The workshop went beyond simply laying the groundwork for future evaluation—it sought to align plans with the Greenlandic National Research Strategy and spark courageous conversations on how to safely reduce the number of Greenlandic children in Out-of-Home Care.
With a diverse range of voices, including care-experienced adults, representatives from central government, UNICEF, MIO, the Municipality, and two children’s homes, the aim was clear: to unite perspectives from across Nuuk and fuel innovative, culturally grounded solutions.
During the workshop, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the challenges described and my own experiences safeguarding Romani and Traveller children in the UK. I heard echoes of frustration—strained relationships with Child Welfare Services marked by fear, inconsistent practices, high caseloads, limited Early Help and the relentless pressure of crisis intervention. These themes are often familiar in social work globally, where issues of risk, protection, poverty, and inequality intersect. But here in Greenland, a different path to solution is being forged.
Eurocentric models of social work, often heralded as ‘best practices’ from a Western perspective, don’t easily apply to the unique landscape of Greenland. What has become evident during my short time in this beautiful country is Greenland’s steadfast commitment to decolonising its approach to child welfare and protection, while fiercely advocating for Indigenous rights. A major shift in politics is shedding light on the deep-rooted systemic inequalities that Greenlandic people face—challenges that demand locally grounded solutions, not imported models of practice.
The workshop stood out for the extraordinary solidarity that each participant displayed toward the welfare of Greenlandic children. There was a palpable urgency to push for social change, development, and empowerment. This effort is central to the Greenlandic National Research Strategy, and what emerged was a shared understanding of the need for social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity. Through the lens of social pedagogy and Indigenous knowledge, it became clear that real, meaningful progress requires working alongside children, families, and community structures to foster wellbeing and resilience. This approach perfectly aligns with the core philosophy of social work, which seeks to uplift individuals within their own cultural context.
The task ahead is considerable, but the plan forged during this workshop offered hope. With care and determination, I believe that child welfare services in Greenland can develop their own child protection models that reflect their culture and traditions—approaches that will not only reduce the number of children in Out-of-Home Care but also enhance the safety and security of those at risk. I’m truly inspired by the participants' commitment and thank them for their hard work. I also look forward to the day when the group are ready to share their Theory of Change with the world, and in collaboration with Associate Professor Bonnie Jensen, the Children & Adolescent Research Environment at Ilisimatusarfik University and Liverpool Hope University, to implement their plans for change.
Today in Nuuk, Greenland’s stunning capital city, I found myself immersed in an environment where the natural beauty has now started to nurture a deep sense of mindfulness. The dramatic landscapes, with their rugged mountains and serene fjords and drifting icebergs, foster an undeniable connection to nature—something that now feels very spiritual. As the day unfolded, one theme became increasingly clear: the deep bond between community, nature, and well-being. Living ‘in the present’ seems to be not just a concept here in the Arctic but a way of life that enriches personal and collective wellness.
The morning began with a visit to UNICEF, where I looked more deeply into the landscape of children's rights in Greenland. I was particularly struck by the focus on improving Out-of-Home Care through advocacy and community-driven initiatives. One fact surprised me: Greenland's Out-of-Home Care system consists solely of Greenlandic children—no ethnic Danish children are placed within this care system. This is notable given Greenland’s population composition, with roughly 88% Greenlandic, 7% Danish, and a small migrant workforce from the Philippines. The absence of other ethnic groups in the State Care system raised important questions, though I’ll reserve judgment until I can fully understand the nuances of child protection practices here.
Later, I had the pleasure of giving a short lecture to three bright Greenlandic social work students before visiting Kalaallit Meerartaat, an inspiring Non-Governmental Organisation. They focus on supporting Greenlandic children and young adults aged 0-23, with a particularly impactful initiative called the ‘Buddies’ programme. This initiative connects every child in State Care with a volunteer advocate—a ‘buddy’—who stays with them throughout their journey, attending review meetings and helping them navigate the system. It’s an empowering model that’s not yet written into law but is clearly making a profound difference in the lives of these children.
The day ended with a visit to a children’s home named Tupaarnat, which translates to ‘Thyme’, a herb symbolising strength, power, and courage. Fresh from a deer-hunting trip to the fjord, the children and staff exuded a sense of grounded resilience. The home’s philosophy was truly inspiring, focusing on holistic care and nurturing the children’s well-being and growth. With a dedicated team of 14 carers for 9 children, the carers emphasised the importance of working through grief, separation, and loss by building connections with families, communities, and the natural world. It was a reminder that every person, no matter their circumstances, can begin to heal if given the support, inclusion, and love they need.
What struck me most is the challenge that both Greenland and the UK face in ensuring these principles aren’t just aspirational but truly integrated into practice. Too often, the services and philosophies meant to foster belonging and connection end up being fragmented, disconnected and distanced from the very communities they are meant to serve. It’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to rethink how we support children and families who are living and suffering with insecurity, intersecting oppressions, racism, inequality, social marginalisation and harm. How do we ensure all children and families know that they are valued, safe, connected—and most importantly, loved—in a world that can be so isolating? This is a question we must tackle with urgency, compassion, participation and innovation.
Day two was filled with deep learning and reflection on Greenland’s cultural history and present-day struggles. The exhibition at the Greenland National Museum, Communication Makes People, stood out as a profound exploration of Greenlandic identity. Through fascinating artifacts, it highlighted how social history, colonisation, and geopolitical shifts have influenced the birth of a national consciousness.
Our day began with a visit to Meeqqat Inuusuttullu Angerlarsimaffiat, an organisation dedicated to providing Out-of-Home care for Greenlandic children. Here, the manager, a passionate Liverpool football supporter, shared her vision for creating a service that meets the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of children. The manager explained how children’s care plans go beyond education and health, incorporating skills essential to Greenlandic life, like hunting and outdoor expeditions. This connection to nature is seen as key to healing and growth, especially for children who’ve faced significant adversity, including poverty, violence, and even the loss of loved ones to suicide.
Throughout the visit, the manager’s passion for improving services was evident. She talked about the urgent need for more children's homes, better training and recruitment of staff, and stronger policies to prevent children from drifting aimlessly through the care system.
After lunch with inspiring social work academics at the University of Greenland, we met the team at MIO, a National Advocacy Centre championing children’s rights. Their primary focus? Addressing Greenland's suicide crisis. The team shared how systemic issues like climate change, poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse are driving mental health challenges across all age groups. Despite their best efforts, limited resources make tackling these complex issues a huge challenge.
Other pressing concerns that MIO is addressing is the lack of early intervention services—programs that could offer support before people reach crisis. Structural inequalities and a scarcity of opportunities are pushing many families into cycles of unemployment, abuse, and despair. In response, MIO is working tirelessly to raise awareness of these social determinants of health inequality, but their primary strategy remains focused on suicide prevention.
By the end of the day, the overwhelming takeaway was clear: there is an urgent need for services that address the structural inequalities contributing to Greenland’s mental health crisis. Climate change, poverty, deprivation, substance abuse, and mental health issues intersect in ways that make child protection a systemic challenge for some families. The organisations we visited—Meeqqat Inuusuttullu Angerlarsimaffiat and MIO—are doing incredible work to advocate for children’s rights and engage families in meaningful ways. They are leading important conversations about the environmental hazards and social determinants of inequality that impact the health and well-being of Greenland’s most vulnerable.
The path forward is challenging. The push for early intervention and social change may be slow, but it is necessary. As I reflect on today, it’s clear that recognising and addressing these complex, intersectional issues, (marginalization, economic disparity, and the lingering effects of colonization) must be a priority for the future of Greenland’s children and families. But, as the Greenland National Museum taught me, Communication Shapes People. My impression at the end of day 2 is that the urgent need to talk about and act on the inequalities and social challenges affecting Greenlandic children and families is only just beginning.
“Our colleague, member and Gypsy Roma Traveller Special Interest Group Chair, Dr Dan Allen, is currently in Greenland having been awarded a United Kingdom-Greenland Arctic Research Bursary. This unique opportunity allows Dan to partner with Associate Professor Bonnie Jensen at Ilisimatusarfik Grønlands Universitet (University of Greenland) on a critical project: SafeHarbour Greenland: Safely Reducing the Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care. Dan will provide a series of blogs highlighting his work and experience sin Greenland over the coming days”
Greenland faces a child welfare crisis: more than four times as many children are placed in out-of-home care compared to other Nordic countries. This situation is putting immense emotional strain on children and families, while also stretching the country's child protection and state care systems.
Although some research has explored the reasons behind this overrepresentation, there has been less focus on finding proactive solutions to keep Greenlandic children safe within their communities. What works to prevent out-of-home placements? How can families be supported before crises arise? These are the pressing questions that remain underexplored.
In response to these challenges, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a United Kingdom-Greenland Arctic Research Bursary. This unique opportunity allows me to partner with Associate Professor Bonnie Jensen at Ilisimatusarfik Grønlands Universitet (University of Greenland) on a critical project: SafeHarbour Greenland: Safely Reducing the Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care.
Throughout this blog, I’ll be documenting the exciting journey of building an international collaboration between Liverpool Hope University and Ilisimatusarfik. Together, we aim to create a community of practice dedicated to developing new, effective models for child protection in Greenland. My goal is that these insights will not only make a difference in Greenland but also inform child welfare services in the UK.
Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative, where we explore innovative approaches to safeguard children’s futures and strengthen families.
Dan Allen is a Principal Lecture of Social Work at Liverpool Hope University
Day 1: A Journey to the Top of the World: My Flight to Nuuk
Flying to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and the northernmost city in the world, was an adventure in itself. The journey took about eleven hours in total, with a short layover in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. There is no direct flight from Manchester to Nuuk, so a brief stop in Iceland was necessary.
The real excitement began on the second leg of the trip. The plane from Reykjavik to Nuuk was a small, turboprop-powered De Havilland Canada Dash 8 with just 30 seats. As I settled in, the noise and vibrations from the propellers were unlike anything I’d experienced before. I kept reminding myself, "These planes fly all the time, they must be safe!" Still, the unfamiliar hum and small size of the aircraft had me gripping the armrests a little tighter than usual. Thankfully, the air steward was fantastic, keeping the coffee and cake flowing the entire way, which definitely helped ease the nerves.
The flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk lasted around three and a half hours, with a brief stop for refueling at Kulusuk Airport. Kulusuk, being in the harsh Arctic, doesn’t even have a tarmac runway—just a strip of sand and grit. As we descended, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the breathtaking sights of towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and sprawling glaciers. It was a view that momentarily made me forget about the plane’s vibrations.
After refueling, we took off again, flying over the vast Greenlandic Ice Sheet. It was like looking out into a sea of white, with snow stretching in every direction as far as the eye could see. Every now and then, I could see where the glaciers met the ocean. One particularly stunning view captured my attention—the gap where the glacier flowed into the sea was almost two miles wide and over 60 meters high. The air steward pointed it out to me, and I quickly took a photo to capture the moment.
We landed in Nuuk just after 9pm local time (11pm for my body clock). I was greeted by Associate Professor Bonnie Jensen at arrivals, and although the sun was setting, I could already see that Nuuk was surrounded by dramatic, rugged mountains. After checking into Hotel Hans Egede, I unpacked and reflected on the unforgettable journey from Manchester to Nuuk before falling asleep. The awe-inspiring views of Greenland’s icy wilderness and the exhilarating flight experience were the perfect start to this Arctic adventure.
The AoCPP condemns the violence we have seen during the recent riots aimed at refugees, asylum seekers, people of colour and minority ethnic communities. Such racist violence harms vulnerable families and all children who are subjected to it. We are also concerned at the involvement of young people in perpetrating the violence and the dangers of radicalisation and criminal exploitation.
As an organisation we see the great value that diverse communities bring to our society and we commend those who have felt compelled to stand up to racism.
We call on social media companies to do more to stop the spread of disinformation and discriminative rhetoric, and for better regulation of the sector to protect our children.
We need to co-create a world in which all children are safe and can develop their full potential without fear of harm.
It has emerged a baby girl found abandoned in a shopping bag in sub-zero temperatures has two siblings who were also found in similar circumstances in East London.
DNA testing has confirmed Baby Elsa has the same parents as Baby Harry who was found in 2017 and Baby Roman who was discovered in 2019.
Dr Ciaran Murphy, Trustee for the Association of Child Protection Professionals, told Sky News the case is "unusual" which suggests it is not a "simplistic" case but likely there was a "state of crisis" meaning the parents could not care for their babies.
He said there are "different reasons" why parents can't raise their own children but it is a "deeply upsetting" case.
The AoCPP welcomes the Final Report of the Cass Review into the care of children and young people with gender dysphoria (link).
The safeguarding of children and young people with gender dysphoria has to be based on best practice supported by the research. The Final Report is clear that practice needs to reflect the strengths and limitations of current research and that caution is necessary in the care and treatment of the children and young people involved to ensure that they receive the best support.
The Cass Review has noted the polarisation and toxicity of the discussions around gender dysphoria and that this does not provide a helpful context for consideration of the best interests of the children and young people involved. The AoCPP holds the view that the effective safeguarding of children and young people requires open, thoughtful and respectful discussions between professionals, children and young people and their families to provide best practice in this contested area.
The Final Report is a welcome review of the evidence and the AoCPP supports the recommendations which we consider to be in the best interests of children and young people with gender dysphoria. The AoCPP would like to thank Dr Hilary Cass for her leadership in this area and for producing a Final Report that will be invaluable to all safeguarding professionals.
Our Trustee Dr Ciaran Murphy talks to the media about the tragic death of 2 year old Bronson Battersby who died by his father’s side in Skegness and has prompted a rapid review
LBC Interview - Wednesday 17th January 2024:
The Times Radio Interview - Thursday 18th January 2024:
LBC Interview - Saturday 20th January 2024:
