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Child welfare workers‘ perception of colleague support in Norway

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  • Olaniyan, Oyeniyi Samuel

Abstract

Frontline child welfare workers (CWW) and the child welfare services have often been criticized for decisions they make concerning children and families in their care. Some of these criticisms (may be valid) often fail to take into consideration the working conditions among this work group, the high work pressure, and the constant heavy workload that comes with the job as CWW. More importantly, the working conditions and the amount of workload that most of the CWW must deal with often lead to negative experiences like sick leave, intention to quit, and turnover. The current study has examined two things, first, what are the common challenges CWW are exposed to in their line of work? And second, how does support help CWW cope (in terms of resources) with the numerous work pressure and the impact of these experiences? An in-depth interview of sixteen CWW make up the data for the present study. Thematic analysis of the data produced three distinct themes; “complexities attached to the roles as CWW”, “challenges with the system”, and “being in the same boat”. The employment of Hobfoll s Conservation of resources model allows for a deeper and broader understanding of the nature of work among these CWW. Findings point to the importance of encouraging a supportive work environment through dedicated tasks and organizational health interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Olaniyan, Oyeniyi Samuel, 2025. "Child welfare workers‘ perception of colleague support in Norway," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:173:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925002099
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schelbe, Lisa & Radey, Melissa & Panisch, Lisa S., 2017. "Satisfactions and stressors experienced by recently-hired frontline child welfare workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 56-63.
    2. Brian Littlechild & Susan Hunt & Chris Goddard & Judy Cooper & Barry Raynes & James Wild, 2016. "The Effects of Violence and Aggression From Parents on Child Protection Workers’ Personal, Family, and Professional Lives," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(1), pages 21582440156, January.
    3. Madden, Elissa E. & Scannapieco, Maria & Painter, Kirsten, 2014. "An examination of retention and length of employment among public child welfare workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 37-44.
    4. Boyas, Javier F. & Wind, Leslie H. & Ruiz, Erika, 2015. "Exploring patterns of employee psychosocial outcomes among child welfare workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 174-183.
    5. Berrick, Jill & Dickens, Jonathan & Pösö, Tarja & Skivenes, Marit, 2020. "Are child protection workers and judges in alignment with citizens when considering interventions into a family? A cross-country study of four jurisdictions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
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