New Professor of Social Work Kati Turtiainen from Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius eager to continue extensive networking with regional partners
Her latest research areas include child protection expertise for immigrants and adult social work after the integration period.
“Research findings show that early support does not sufficiently reach families that have immigrated, and therefore urgent placements are highlighted for these children,” says Turtiainen. “The interaction between practitioners and immigrants would seem to be paramount for achieving a common understanding when assessing needs and receiving the appropriate help.”
Before her professorship, Turtiainen has worked at Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius for ten years as a senior lecturer in social work.
“I find it important to continue the extensive networking of my predecessor, Professor Aila-Leena Matthies, with different actors in the region,” explains Turtiainen. “In particular, the regional research and collaborative learning launched by the University Consortium’s social work staff, which also enables educational cooperation, is valuable.”
International dimension important for students
Turtiainen’s recent international cooperation has concentrated on the ASTRA network as well as on cooperation with TSU University in Tbilisi, Georgia, and with UTAD University in Vila Real, Portugal.
“In addition to long-term research cooperation, our experience has shown that interaction with international actors is also important for teachers and students of social work,” she says. “International contacts provide an excellent opportunity for reflection when, for example, reviewing and developing national and local practices. Recently, adult students have also received more opportunities for short-term mobility.”
Turtiainen completed her doctoral degree in 2012 at the University of Jyväskylä. Before her career at the University, she has worked, for example, for the City of Jyväskylä as the Director of Immigrant Services.
