A phenomenological study of the experiences of child protective social workers: Don't shoot the messenger.

摘要

This study explored the experiences of child protective workers (CPW's) for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS). As the number of children coming in contact with DSS increases each year, DSS workers' responsibilities become more numerous and complex. Society places the welfare of some of our most troubled children in the hands of CPW's, asks them daily to make life-altering decisions, and offers them few resources to accomplish this daunting task.; Since the experiences of child protective social workers is greatly underresearched, a phenomenonological, qualitative research method was used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten DSS workers who had worked for DSS for a minimum of one year. The general question was designed to elicit participants' thoughts and feelings about their experiences of working for DSS. Follow-up questions concerned what effect working for DSS had had on participants' personal lives, the reactions they received from others as DSS workers, and the amount of support they received from others.; The participants' responses overwhelmingly focused on their negative experiences and all participants evidenced psychological distress. They described their jobs as extremely difficult, frustrating, and overwhelming, yet, notably did not blame their clients for their distress. Instead, they blamed their difficulties on inadequate resources, an inadequate child welfare system, and a society that does not value children. They reported feeling misunderstood, unrecognized and unjustly criticized by others, including DSS management, collaterals, the media and the public.; Participants reported that their positive relationships with clients and fellow workers sustained them, allowing them to manage their painful and overwhelming experiences. This finding suggests that the connections with their clients and fellow workers buffered them against the disconnection and alienation they experienced in relation to their work, and that these connections should be fostered.; Suggestions for DSS practice and future research are discussed. It is hoped that this study will help psychologists, as well as other mental health professionals, to become more aware of the many constraints imposed upon DSS workers and families, and will encourage collaboration with these two groups.