Exploring work violence in the child welfare and human service sector

Workplace violence is multi-faceted and insidious. It consists of interpersonal interactions and organizational factors, and involves varying workplace considerations and ‘actors’, including service users, colleagues,... [ view full abstract ]

Workplace violence is multi-faceted and insidious. It consists of interpersonal interactions and organizational factors, and involves varying workplace considerations and ‘actors’, including service users, colleagues, supervisors, management and community members. The purpose of this study (phase one of a larger project) was to examine organizational influences that shape workplace violence, within the child welfare and human services sectors. The focus of this presentation is upon (i) the experiences of workers relative to workplace violence, and (ii) strategies for proactive change.

Drawing on an ecological model, this sequential exploratory mixed-methods study included qualitative interviews (n-82), followed by an upcoming phase of survey administration among government-employed child welfare and other human service workers. Qualitative analysis of interviews identifies an integrated portrayal of workers’ experiences, and indicates workplace processes and organizational factors that perpetuate, or conversely protect from, workplace violence in this sector.

Factors that contribute to worker experience of safety/violence are offered, at interpersonal levels of interaction (e.g., micro- and meso-systems) and organizational and structural levels (e.g., macro-system). Findings further illuminate strategies to proactively redress workplace violence in building healthy child welfare and human services work environments. This includes systemic and organizational structures and practices that engage managers, HR personnel and policymakers as well as front-line workers. Accordingly, these findings inform the development of interventions and preventive approaches, including information for building resources and improving working conditions.

These findings have the potential to inform and foster safety within child welfare and other service providing agencies. Nurturing generative workplaces is anticipated to support healthier workforces and improved service delivery. Accordingly, these findings offer greater understanding about processes and strategies that can counteract workplace violence within the child welfare and broader human services sector.