Child welfare worker wellness: An ethical imperative in the service of children

Abstract

AbstractChild welfare social workers are at high risk of burnout due to the demanding nature of their work (Bowman, 2020; Lizano & Mor Barak, 2012; Sprang et al., 2011; Schelbe, 2017). This condition can have drastic consequences for the psychosocial and emotional wellbeing of social workers and the vulnerable children and families they serve in child welfare organisations across the world. However, burnout and the associated risk of turnover and reduced self‐efficacy can be prevented through effective workplace support and intervention (Brode, 1990). This article provides an overview on the impact of burnout on child welfare workers' health, mental health and turnover as well as child and family outcomes, while underscoring the organisation's role in mitigating this issue. From an extensive literature review, the author proposes the following organisational child welfare wellness model: workplace wellness in child welfare organisations. Recommendations within this model focus on child welfare practices which provide support to workers including wellness (i.e. on‐site crisis and mental health support) and growth‐needs‐focused interventions (i.e. supervision, specialisation and promotion).