Helena Unnarsd\u00f3ttir, Head of Child Protection
\nHafnarfjar\u00f0ar, is in the Vitans chat seat this week. Helena has been a resident
\nhas lived in Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur since the age of twelve and is incredibly fond of his town and
\nA local community. Helena and her colleagues at child protection oversee important
\na service from the local council aimed at strengthening families in
\nin their role as a parent and apply measures to protect individual children when it
\nIt applies. <\/p>\n
By its nature, the service can be controversial and many who have
\nstrong opinions on the handling and resolution of matters. Especially on large and
\ndifficult issues that tend to end up in public debate and possibly one-sided
\nthe case takes centre stage. The vast majority of child protection cases conclude successfully and
\nparents\/guardians are often not ready to \u201egraduate\u201c after
\nguidance and advice where appropriate and adapted resources have been provided.
\nA strong and close relationship is formed between the parties involved, and it is particularly rewarding.
\nfor staff to watch children and families flourish after
\n\u201egraduation\u201c. Overall, her feeling is that matters have become more complicated and
\nmore difficult.<\/p>\n
In this interview, Helena tells us about the process that takes place.
\nin place when a notification is received by the child protection board. Weekly meetings mark the position.
\nfor notifications and whether a case proceeds to investigation and is then registered as a child protection case. Then
\ninvolves a specific process which includes, amongst other things, analysis, data collection, and implementation
\non adapted solutions and aftercare. In the programme, she also tells us a few
\nmiracle stories, as child protection workers prefer to call them. <\/p>\n