Talking of social workers work conditions: data, opinions and perceptions in child protection

The paper will present the results of a research project realized in Lombardia (an Italian Region) with the purpose to gain knowledge of work conditions of social workers in child protection. To the purpose to investigate the... [ view full abstract ]

The paper will present the results of a research project realized in Lombardia (an Italian Region) with the purpose to gain knowledge of work conditions of social workers in child protection. To the purpose to investigate the work conditions of social workers in this complex field of work data have been collected about workload and working time, professional well-being and burnout levels. Data have been obtained through an on-line survey applied to a sample of 300 social workers in child protection. Interesting findings acquired by statistical analysis show both positive and negative outcomes: for example, social workers said to be well supported by colleagues, to be proud of their tasks and satisfy with their work autonomy; on the other hand they explained how the work weigh on their health and said to be overloaded, to feel themselves exposed to risk and dangers for their life. In the contribute the data collected will be presented and then compared with different variables as age and professional experience of the interviewed. In particular will be showed a cross-check data between levels of professional well-being/burnout and workload of the practitioners. Lastly will be presented 3 social workers ideal type gathered from the analysis realized. The conclusion considers relevant implications for social work practice, social work education and research.