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Title of Systematic Narrative
Review
Burnout in Child Protection Social
Work - Key considerations that may
limit impact on our staff
Abstract
Context:
Within child protection social work, burnout is becoming all too common.
Difficulties with retention of staff and high levels of staff turnover add pressure
and destabilise social work teams, often directly impacting the families who
are being supported. Therefore, focus needs to centre on what can be done to
support social workers in their role through identifying the key considerations
that may limit the impact of burnout on staff. The aim of this review is to
conduct a comprehensive database search, appraisal and synthesis of the
relevant research that focuses on the key factors or considerations that may
limit the effects of burnout on social work staff within Child Protection teams.
This will provide a clear understanding of what can be done to improve this
challenge within social work staff in Northern Ireland.
Methods employed in the review:
Three databases were systematically searched on 23/02/22:
• PsycINFO;
• Social Care Online; and
• Social Services Abstracts.
A total of nine relevant articles were retrieved. An additional article was found
via citation searching resulting in ten included studies. Three concept groups
were utilized; 'occupational stress' and 'social work' and 'stress
management'. The searches were limited to English language, peer-reviewed
articles with date range 2010 - 2022.
Findings:
The review findings are synthesised with each emerging topic being
discussed in specific sections. The findings show that there are key elements
or considerations that collectively, could buffer or moderate the effects of
psychological distress that can lead to burnout in staff. These include the role
of job satisfaction and compassion satisfaction, social support, self-care, and
job resources. Each of these areas are shown to have a positive impact on