Experts in uncertainty : social work in child protection : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorPakura, Shannon
dc.date.accessioned2015-04-14T23:39:08Z
dc.date.available2015-04-14T23:39:08Z
dc.date.issued2008
dc.description.abstractThis research examines what motivates child protection social workers and the factors which support them to continue practicing in New Zealand's statutory agency, Child Youth and Family. Child welfare services are under stress with increasing workloads. The work is difficult and the hours are long. Workers manage ambiguity, uncertainty and they make judgments that no other agency or professional is called upon to make, within a system that requires them to constantly reassess priorities and Attracting and retaining workers in the child protection field of practice is a priority for Child Youth and Family. The thesis examines the motivating factors which encourage a social worker to remain practicing in the statutory child protection field. Understanding and strengthening these factors may assist New Zealand's statutory child protection agency; Child Youth and Family to increase the capability, capacity and experience of its professional workforce. Two methods were used to gather information for this study; in-depth individual interviews and a focus group. An inductive approach Was used to identify common themes and challenges. The key findings of the research showed that the quality of supervision and the relationships with one's supervisor and other professionals are critical. Self-care is a priority for the individual and operational policies must be clear, concise and accessible. Business and social work values guide the leadership of the statutory child welfare organisation. Workloads need to be manageable. Services to Maori require re-investment. A culture of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of the agency and its staff should be infused through out the organisation and the general public made aware of the efforts and hard work of these professionals. The findings have identified that the needs of statutory child protection social workers are modest. Providing the systems that help sustain them in their role and ensuring the support mechanisms are operating will assist Child Youth and Family to recruit and retain a competent, experienced and resilient workforce to support and provide services to New Zealand children and their families.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/6496
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectSocial work with childrenen_US
dc.subjectChild welfare workersen_US
dc.subjectChild welfare services, New Zealanden_US
dc.subjectChild protectionen_US
dc.titleExperts in uncertainty : social work in child protection : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorPakura, Shannonen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineSocial Worken_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Social Work (M.S.W.)en_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Thumbnail Image
Name:
01_front.pdf
Size:
434.35 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
Thumbnail Image
Name:
02_whole.pdf
Size:
21.88 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
804 B
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Theses and Dissertations