Examining Standards and Training Needs for Residential Child Care Workers

Background: The 5-country project “Empowering Residential Child Care through Interprofessional Training (ERCCI)” was initiated due to high rates of worker turnover, lack of training and deficient knowledge and skills in dealing with the challenging behaviors of many RCC youth. The objective of the first ERCCI phase was to examine standards for the training of RCC workers as well as needs and gaps in competences and skills.

Method: Each country team followed a uniform protocol to systematically gather information on various dimensions of RCC and RCC training. The following information was obtained and aggregated: (1) information was compiled about the characteristics, role and function of RCC in each respective country; (2) expected RCC competences, training and practice standards and gaps for each country were examined through interviews and focus groups with RCC providers, RCC workers and RCC youth; (3) an extensive regional and international literature review was conducted. Interviews and focus groups followed interview guides. Sample sizes ranged from 2-4 focus groups to 6-19 interviews with various stakeholders. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to code and analyze data.

Results: Preliminary results point to considerable diversity in the role and function of RCC across countries and considerable differences in the training for RCC workers. Interviews with providers and workers suggested the need for ‘extraordinary’ skill and knowledge levels, in particular in the area of relationship building, child development and resources. Data also pointed to training gaps, e.g., dealing with aggressive behavior, mental health needs, cultural diversity, etc. The literature review indicated a few standardized training programs for RCC workers. These, however, were not utilized in the 5 countries.

Implications: Despite differences in the role and function of RCC, core competences and skills for RCC workers can be identified, supporting the need for training modules that are specifically focused on RCC work.