Poster presentation - FORSA 2023
In the dynamic field of social work, bridging the gap between theory and practice is crucial to addressing the evolving needs of individuals and communities. My ongoing project, "Use of Individual Plans in NAV", delves into this intersection, exploring how individual plans are implemented within NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) to support tailored interventions for service users. This project was recently showcased at the FORSA 2023 "Social Work in Changing Times: Challenges and New Opportunities" conference, under the theme "Theory and Practice in Social Work", where I presented a poster detailing my research and preliminary findings.

At the Nordic FORSA conference (2023), I had the opportunity to present my ongoing research through a poster presentation. This platform allowed me to engage with fellow researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, sparking insightful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in integrating theory and practice in social work. The feedback and perspectives shared during the conference have been invaluable in refining my research approach.
Future Directions
As this project progresses, I aim to:
- Conduct in-depth interviews with NAV leaders.
- Analyze the rhetorical resources used by NAV employees to explain the limited use of individual plans.
- Analyze the effectiveness of individual plans in achieving desired outcomes.
- Develop recommendations for enhancing the use of IPs in NAV to better align with social work principles.
This project represents a critical step toward understanding and improving the use of individual plans in NAV. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, it seeks to contribute to the ongoing development of effective, user-centered approaches in social work.