Making ends meet : exploring the roles of professionals working with children and adolescents in residential care and their perception of the system

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the roles taken by professionals working in residential care settings, and how they intervene with the minors and their families. Therefore, the researcher will inquire about the training received by the social workers or youth workers, and their role with the children and adolescents in care. Moreover, an investigation into the residential care system for minors shall be carried out through focus groups with the professionals. The study will explore the efficiency and effectiveness of the care system in meeting the needs of children and adolescents, and on how the support services collaborate with the residential social workers, or youth workers in residential homes. A qualitative research method was chosen for this study in order to collect the desired data from a target group, using focus groups as a methodological framework. A group of twelve professionals attended two separate focus groups and the data collected was transcribed, and later analysed to extract the leading themes from the discussions amongst the participants. The most prominent themes that resulted from the discussions in the focus groups in relation to the residential care system in Malta included resources, standards, training and roles of professionals in residential care. Salient issues identified include lack of resources, lack of standard implementation and auditing, and role definition. The research study concludes with implications for policy makers, quality of placement and future research.