Four Areas of Support for Child and Youth Care Workers

Developing a competent staff of child and youth care workers is a major challenge for most group care programs for children, youth, and families. Factors such as low pay, lack of preparation, and demanding working conditions have contributed to creating a workforce crisis. Several studies have been...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Families in society 2007-04, Vol.88 (2), p.233-240
Main Author: Krueger, Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent development
Child care
Children
Low pay
Professional development
Skill development
Social workers
Staff development
Support groups
Workers
Workforce
Working conditions
Youth
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Summary:Developing a competent staff of child and youth care workers is a major challenge for most group care programs for children, youth, and families. Factors such as low pay, lack of preparation, and demanding working conditions have contributed to creating a workforce crisis. Several studies have been conducted to help mitigate the problems. Many of these studies and experience point to daily interactions as a major source of learning and satisfaction. In this article, with an emphasis on the parallel processes of child and youth care and staff development, I draw on the literature and more than 35 years of experience in child and youth care to construct a narrative that discusses how care of self, participation, mentoring, and atmosphere contribute to successful daily interactions. The purpose is to encourage discourse, continued discussion, and action.
ISSN:1044-3894
1945-1350
DOI:10.1606/1044-3894.3621