Values, Challenges and Practices in Residential Care: The Professionals’ Perspective
2Center for Research in Psychological Science, University of Lisbon (CICPSI - ULisboa), University of Lisbon
3Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon (ICS-ULisboa), University of Lisbon
It has been acknowledged that residential care professionals often cope with complex and stressful events in challenging organizational contexts, while providing care to children and youth with demanding needs. However, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically focused on the tensions faced by residential care staff in their roles both as professionals within a specific social and organizational context, and as “surrogate parents” of the children and youth in care. This qualitative study used semi-structured individual interviews with 20 residential care professionals to explore their perspectives regarding the challenging events, conflicts and tensions faced at work, and their values and expectations towards children and youth in care. Thematic analysis allowed for identifying major themes: organizational context; residential care work; ambivalence, conflict and dilemmas; values; and coping strategies and self-care practices. Findings highlight the role of organizational culture and climate factors, the demanding and emotional nature of this work field, and the professionals’ values, ambivalence and dilemmas on residential care work practices. We believe these findings will generate inputs for further research, aiming to improve staff training and inform policy and practice on residential care services.
Keywords: residential care; professionals; ambivalence; dilemmas; values.