Jorunn Gjedrem

Jorunn Gjedrem is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Agder, Norway. She holds a Bachelor in Social Work (1984) from Diakonhjemmet College and a Master in Social Work (2001) from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

• 1984: Bachelor in Social Work, Diakonhjemmet College
• 2001: Master in Social Work, NTNU

Her research focuses on knowledge development in social work, emphasizing the interplay between theory, practice, user competence, and critical reflection. She investigates professional discretion in child welfare decision-making, where unclear reference points require broad knowledge bases and contextual understanding. Her work also addresses interdisciplinary collaboration in education and user involvement in research and teaching.

Recent publications (2024–2019) include studies on discretion in child custody evaluations, interprofessional training, family follow-up practices in NAV, and ethical frameworks for child welfare. Her work spans child welfare policy, group work methodologies, and crisis management for families.

She has served on the board of FORSA-Norge (2006–2012) and the editorial board of Fontene Forskning (2008–2016). Her teaching includes bachelor's courses in social work, master's courses in child welfare, and modules on reflective practice, scientific theory, and decision-making processes.

Outside academia, she volunteers with Morild.org (support for children of parents with mental health/addiction issues) and leads bereavement support groups for next of kin. Her career includes roles in child protection units, addiction rehabilitation, and municipal child welfare services in Vest-Agder and Kristiansand.