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.
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