Being a child protection social worker

Abstract

Child Protection Service can pose overwhelming challenges to social workers as well as enriching experiences during their practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of being a Child Protection Social Worker (CPSW) through understanding the myriad demands and tasks Child Protection work entails. The study sought to explore the local child protection social workers' experiences working in Child Protection Service. It also aimed to understand their challenges and provide contributory factors of emotional resilience to support CPSWs in their profession. A qualitative study was deemed the most appropriate for this study, interviews were carried out with nine CPSWs, who had between one to five years’ experience in Child Protection. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data gathered from these interviews. The findings suggest that all the participants in their workplace experienced high stress levels due to various stressors, namely heavy caseloads, having to finalise social contracts, recordings, deadlines, lack of communication, and the new Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act law. The challenges and struggles participants encountered in their field of work were attributed by the participants to burnout, traumatic experiences, stigma, and a number of serious risks in Child Protection Services such as threats to workers and resistant service users. However, all participants also expressed satisfaction at the personal and professional benefits that working in CPS yielded, such as richer learning experiences and opportunities that they believed furthered their job prospects. Besides, the participants highlighted having rewarding experiences within the service such as increased job satisfaction and resilience, personal and professional growth, and support derived from supervision, from the team, from the Service Area Leader or Director, and training provision in the area. In light of a number of factors that adversely affect child protection social workers, this study recommends that measures should be taken to improve their work conditions and dispel the misconception that Child Protection Work is overly challenging. This study recommends that in order to improve the image of CPW, balanced information should be imparted to all CPSWs in University courses prior to recruitment. Other measures aimed at improving the working condition of CPSWs are the introduction of, case weighing tools, creating better communication channels within the agency, strengthening safety measures, and providing ongoing training. These suggestions can help CPSWs feel more empowered, secure and committed to their practice and profession, leading to them becoming more confident in their ability to make decisions in the best interests of vulnerable children who are at risk of abuse and neglect.