Shame and family work

This article examines how Finnish young people experience shame and embarrassment as clients of child welfare family work. Drawing on qualitative data from online workshops with 28 participants aged 13–29, co-produced with academic researchers and co-researchers with lived experience, the article explores how these emotions arise within home-based support services. The findings show that shame and embarrassment often stem from coercive or unclear professional interventions in the home and are linked to societal ideals of what a normal family should be. These emotions are closely tied to fear, mistrust and feelings of being different, leading some young people to withdraw from interactions or conceal their involvement with services. The article highlights the importance of professionals recognising shame, fostering emotionally safe and trusting relationships, and critically challenging societal norms and practices that stigmatise families receiving support.

Child welfare · coercive measures · Distrust · Embarrassment · emotional safety · family responsibilities · family stigma · professional-client relationship · Shame · Youth · Child Welfare and Adoption · Social Sciences and Policies · Social Work Education and Practice