An ethnographic study of client -initiated violence affecting child protection workers

Over the past 30 years, there has been an increase in incidents related to client initiated violence toward child protection workers. The research problem addressed in this ethnographic study examined individual and organizational practices associated with worker safety within the context of a subculture of violence framework. Using a mixed methods approach, this study investigated attitudes, opinions, and experiences among public child protection workers in a southeastern urban community within the United States. Quantitative data concerning staff opinions about client violence toward child protective workers were gathered using a web-based survey to which 61 staff responded. Data analyzed from the survey's internal logic model, revealed 47.5% of the employees expressed client violence as a significant issue for the field. 60.7% stated a concern about their own safety on the job. In response to training needs, 95% of staff who responded to questions concerning training stated an interest in receiving worker safety training. Staff reported a number of violent incidents relative to personal or agency property damage. Staff also identified a need for agency protocols and a workplace culture that prioritizes worker safety. Qualitative data for the study were drawn from three on-site focus groups representing 26 staff. Other recommendations derived from transcribed audio revealed a need for specialized worker safety training and worker initiated de-escalation strategies when encountering a potentially violent client. While the theoretical factors associated with client initiated violence toward child welfare professionals remain unclear, findings from this study inform the profession of policy considerations to reduce risk and enhance child welfare workers' safety.