A personal and professional balancing act: care and protection social workers in CYPFS

Abstract

This research explores women's experiences of working within Children Young Persons and Their Families Service (CYPFS) as care and protection social workers. The findings are discussed within a literary framework of the Professional Accommodation Syndrome (Tony Morrison) and the Hostage Theory (Chris Goddard and Janet Stanley) and whether these concepts are applicable to the New Zealand child protection agency, CYPFS. Eight women care and protection social workers employed by CYPFS were interviewed using a qualitative research method. The majority of participants were Pakeha, from five offices in the lower North Island. The aim of this research was to explore the incentives and disincentives to remaining within CYPFS for care and protection social workers. The information received from the interviews was interpreted using Inductive Analysis, resulting in both indigenous and analyst-constructed themes. Feminist standpoint theory, informed by feminism, positivism and post modernism, provided the theoretical orientation for this thesis. This research revealed that the social workers interviewed attempted to maintain a balance between their personal and professional selves. This occurred in a work environment, which at times did not provide adequate support or supervision, and without unity of purpose within the organisation. The women felt motivated to stay at CYPFS because they were continually learning, felt like they made a difference and were passionate about the work they did with families. Contrary to expectations there was no evidence that the Professional Accommodation Syndrome or Hostage Theory was applicable to these social workers. The implications and recommendations for change resulting from these findings are discussed.