Can Parental Love and Harm Coexist? The Perceptions of Child Protective Social Workers in Israel

Despite the undeniable significance of love in parent–child relationships, there is a gap in empirical research on this topic. Love's mythological, abstract and subjective nature complicates its academic investigation, often overshadowed by the presumption of its universal presence. The current study aimed to explore the intricate nature of parental love through the lens of child protection social workers (CPSWs) working with children at risk due to harm, abuse, neglect or self-risk behaviours up to the age of 18. Utilizing qualitative methods, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted. Two themes were identified: the unchallenged belief in parental love and its therapeutic potential within the parent–child nexus. This study illuminates the roles of parental love in scenarios of child abuse and neglect from the perspective of CPSWs. The findings emphasize that viewing love as a given shields CPSWs from confronting the possibility that a parent may not love their child. This perception facilitates their work with parents who have harmed their children, enabling them to engage these parents as agents of change. The research advocates for engaging in open and authentic dialogues with parents within the framework of child abuse and maltreatment. This perspective not only challenges prevailing stereotypes but also highlights the necessity of personalized support and understanding in addressing the complexities surrounding parenting and child welfare.