An exploration of behavior management strategies used by child and youth care workers at centers in eThekwini

Abstract

Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW) face numerous challenges, including difficult behaviours exhibited by young people in their care. However, there is insufficient information on the behaviour management strategies that are applied by CYCWs in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs). An understanding of that will enable recommendations on child, youth care behavioural interventions, which might empower child, and youth care workers to better manage the behaviour of young people with behavioural difficulties in addition to formulating positive and effective behavioural interventions. The study’s aim was to explore the behaviour management strategies applied by CYCWs at CYCCs in eThekwini and provide suggestions to empower CYCWs. The study adopted the social learning theory and an exploratory research approach using 16 participants from the three selected child and youth care centres in the eThekwini region. The study participants were purposively chosen for semi-structured in-depth interviews and the data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent and debriefing were adhered to. The research study results highlighted the fact that CYCWs are frontline professionals working within the same environment as the child; hence, the CYCWs need more support concerning behaviour management. Teamwork in CYCCs, emotional and practical support from the organisations were found to be lacking. Furthermore, CYCWs are challenged by negative behaviour displayed by young people under their care, such as stealing, bullying, aggressiveness, temper tantrums, swearing, and disrespectful conduct. Participants in the current study also provided behaviour management strategies that would be significant in managing the behaviours of young people, such as rules and routines, logical consequences, educational programmes, life and social skills sessions, both individual and group counselling sessions, fostering positive relationships and observing spiritual programs, and recreational activities and play. According to the study results, it was established that the above-mentioned strategies may play an important role in CYC work and it is vital that future research pay significant attention to how these strategies can be supported. The study recommended the support and recognition for child and youth care to encourage quality services for young people living in CYCCs. A better understanding of the behaviour management strategies used by CYCWs would add to the body of knowledge that encourages effective behaviour management of young people, as well as reduced stress for CYCWs.