Social work practices with families without legal residence

This project focuses on social work with families without legal residence. According to recent research by VUB, the estimated number of people without legal residence in Belgium is around 112,000. Supporting these individuals – especially families – presents numerous challenges for both formal and informal social work organisations, as well as for various government bodies. These challenges include not only providing shelter, but also ensuring access to medical and psychosocial care, and working towards sustainable future perspectives. Public events such as the occupation of the Begijnhof Church, cases of severe labour exploitation of undocumented workers (e.g. at the Borealis company in the Port of Antwerp), demonstrations by people without legal residence, and the broader return policy – whether voluntary or forced – continue to spark public debate.

This research on “social work with families without legal residence” is based on six specific cases of (in)formal social work practices that support such families. We selected two initiatives that primarily offer social and legal support (JRS Belgium & Doctors of the World), focusing on what is referred to in practice and literature as “future orientation.” In addition, we examine three initiatives that combine “future orientation” with shelter for families without legal residence (EHVV VZW, De Loodsen VZW & Pigment VZW). Finally, we include one Brussels-based case where families without legal residence (the VSP Family group) organise themselves (Coordination des Sans Papiers (CSP)/ VSP Family group).

In each of these six experimental practices, we follow a selection of families and their social workers. Based on these cases, we formulate effective (micro)practices, interventions, and strategies for future orientation and support of families without legal residence. The findings will result in a training module for social workers and educational programmes. This two-year project serves as a preliminary phase for developing further research on families without legal residence.

ORBIT vzw, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen & Gastvrij Netwerk, Caritas, Dokters van De Wereld, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service), Pigment VZW, Hand in Hand, SAAMO Brussels, Service Outreach Fedasil, Een Hart Voor Vluchtelingen (EHVV) VZW, de Loodsen VZW & de Coördinatie van Mensen zonder papieren (CSP/ VSP Family) (Bintou Touré - VSP Family, Coordination des Sans Papiers de Belgique)