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Julkunen, I., Mauri, D., Ruch, G., & Isokuortti, N. (2023). Connecting Social Work Research with Policy and Practice: Issues of People, Power and Politics. European Social Work Research, 1, 65-83.
https://doi.org/10.1332/cikv6449

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Accountability as a Bridge between Social Work and Social Policy

  AUTHORS: Vaike Raudava

  KEYWORDS: Estonia, Accountability, Profession, Social Welfare Practice

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.13 No.2, February 24, 2025

  ABSTRACT: Background: Accountability in social work is crucial for ensuring professional legitimacy and adherence to public organizational practices. This is particularly important in the Estonian context, where social welfare is undergoing rapid changes due to Europeanization and public administration reforms. Aim: This research aims to shed light on accountability in administrative social work within the Estonian welfare model. Methods: A case study approach is used, analyzing publicly available documentation and data from three Estonian local governments (Viru-Nigula, Lüganuse, and Mustvee) collected between 2020 and 2022. Results: The study reveals challenges in predicting social service provision to clients due to the fragmented nature of the Estonian welfare system and the limited professional autonomy of social workers in local governments. Conclusions: The research highlights the need for clearer definitions of social work roles, stronger professional autonomy for social workers, and a more client-centered approach to social welfare in Estonia.