מנהלים במלכוד: פרקטיקת מדיניות במחלקות לשירותים חברתיים

Background: As a welfare state, Israel is coping with many social challenges. Social workers who are closely acquainted with the needs of disadvantaged populations are expected to engage in policy practice in order to improve the situation of their clients. Even though they have witnessed the positive and negative consequences of social policy, only a few of them actually engage in policy practice. The few studies that have examined this issue indicate that one of the factors that influence the involvement of social workers in policy practice is support from directors of social service departments and legitimization of engagement in policy practice.Aims: To examine the perceptions of social service department directors regarding the role and involvement of the departments in policy practice.Method: The findings are based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 13 directors of social service departments in Israel.Findings: The findings reveal a structural trap that makes it difficult for social workers as well as for directors to engage in policy practice in order to promote changes beyond the level of the individual and family.Implications for policy and practice: It is recommended to establish anational reflection forum consisting of representatives of department directors, local authorities, and the Ministry of Social Affairs who will discuss the significance of departments’ engagement in policy practice. In addition, it is recommended to develop training programs for both directors and workers in order to provide them with knowledge and skills on the topic.