Underprepared Direct Care Staff Are Doing the Most Difficult Work in Child Welfare

Direct care staff who work with youth are our most immediate front line of support for youth who require additional adult intervention in school-based and residential environments. However, through no fault of their own, these individuals are on average the most undertrained, under supervised, underpaid and seemingly undervalued paid professionals our youth come in contact with.

Now more than ever, with the COVID-19 pandemic exposing the vulnerabilities of the industry, it is time to invest in providing the tools, skills and knowledge these often-young professionals need for the job.

If we truly wish to put our best foot forward in changing the lives of vulnerable children, we must recognize the fact that all adults who interact with youth living in high cost care settings need exceptional training, supervision and ongoing professional development and growth. We must understand that this is intensely personal and complicated work that requires encouragement, constant reflection, validation, correction and overall support.

The work itself is emotionally taxing and complex, and it is the job of the organization to provide space and opportunity for these professionals to reflect, grow and develop. These staff are placing themselves in the face of personal danger to their own health as well as family and friends. Facilities around the world are now reporting staff who have been infected, and several who have lost their lives.

Read the full article in The Imprint.