CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS IN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRES WORKING WITH CHILDREN

This article explores the challenges of child and youth care workers (CYCWs) working with children. Children and young people exhibiting attachment and behavioural difficulties present a significant challenge for parents, child and youth care workers, and society. This article reports on qualitative...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Social Work Vol. 59; no. 3; pp. 1 - 195
Main Authors:	Mhizha, Ropafadzai, Nhedzi, Abyshey
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Stellenbosch University of Stellenbosch 01-01-2023 Department of Social Work, Stellenbosch University/ Universiteit Stellenbosch Stellenbosch University
Subjects:	child and youth care centres child and youth care workers Child welfare Children Information dissemination Job characteristics Occupational roles Social Work south africa Workers Youth child and youth care workers South Africa child and youth care centres children
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Summary:	This article explores the challenges of child and youth care workers (CYCWs) working with children. Children and young people exhibiting attachment and behavioural difficulties present a significant challenge for parents, child and youth care workers, and society. This article reports on qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 CYCWs and the data were subjected to thematical analysis. The findings indicate that CYCWs involved in child welfare experience not only a lack of recognition but also conflict, overwork and other negative job characteristics that affect their caring responsibilities, given the complexity and demanding roles of working with children. The study addresses issues not discussed in the literature that affect CYCWs, including organisational and profession-related challenges. A lack of detailed information sharing with other human service professionals threatens the viability and sustainability of the professional care service and remains a challenge. Keywords: child and youth care workers, child and youth care centres, children, South Africa
ISSN:	2312-7198 0037-8054 2312-7198
DOI:	10.15270/59-3-1133