Role of Media in Portraying the Image of Social Services Regarding Placement of Children in Foster Families

Abstract

This study investigates how foster care and social services are portrayed in Swedish media, with particular attention to the ways these representations may shape public discourse around child welfare. Rather than measuring public opinion, the research focuses on how narratives are constructed through journalistic framing and issue prioritization. Using qualitative content analysis, thirteen articles published between 2016 and 2022 in major Swedish newspapers were examined to identify recurring themes, language patterns, and depictions of stakeholders. Media portrayals of foster care are frequently critical, emphasizing structural issues including placement delays, resource scarcity, and mismatches between foster children and foster homes, according to the analysis. An impression of institutional inefficiency is exacerbated by the common portrayal of social services as being administratively limited and underfunded. However, other pieces give more positive narratives that provide counterbalances to the prevalent negative framing, such as highlighting foster families' dedication and successful placements. Through the lens of framing theory and agenda-setting theory, the study illustrates how media not only reflects but also helps shape societal conversations and policy focus regarding foster care. The findings suggest that media portrayals can influence how child protection efforts are understood and discussed in the public sphere. These insights may be valuable for journalists, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to foster more balanced and accurate coverage of child welfare in Sweden.