This chapter focuses on complex, ambiguous and ethically charged problem situations with children and families, which it is partly the responsibility of social work to resolve. The focus is mainly on the special challenges that such situations give to professionals, although, in all probability, the problematic situations that are discussed here are much more demanding to the family members involved. The ultimate goal is to discuss the need for developing new conceptual angles to overcome some of the current difficulties with the conventional conceptualisations of ‘family problems’ in the context of social work, particularly from the Finnish perspective. New conceptual approaches are needed because of the increasing pluralism and complexity of family practices and values, which sometimes makes the distinction between what is ordinary and what is exceptional far from clear.

The chapter is divided into three sections. In the first, I discuss briefly the conventional orientation of social work with regard to family problem situations and the need to rework and elaborate it in the context of complex, uncertain, ethically demanding troubling situations. Second, as an example of a special and deeply challenging conflict situation, I will examine supervised meetings between children and non-resident parents, designed to ensure the continuity of family contact. This example allows me to concretise the moral and remedial dimensions of work with family troubles. I interpret these dimensions as hints of the (ultimate) boundaries of a normal and looked-for family. Third, I will argue that because the situations are ethically arresting and new and previous information and experience are of little help, this work with ‘family change’ becomes more deeply challenging and different. I propose that the conscious integration of moral reasoning as part of professional expertise – and, thus, expanding the concept of knowledge – may help us to realise the boundaries of our expertise and the need for new knowledge, and to form an appropriate direction for our actions.

From family problems towards contested family practices

In theoretical debates on social work, change-oriented work with families is usually approached in the framework of the research tradition concerning various family problems. In this tradition, family problems are sometimes located inside the family as interpersonal problems, and sometimes as problems stemming from broader societal factors, such as economic depression, unemployment and cutbacks in social benefits.