Professionalisation of child and youth care : perspectives of child and youth care workers in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

Child and Youth Care (CYC) has always been identified as a fledging profession regardless of the profession having a code of ethics, mandatory training, professional registration and professional associations. This is due to the gap in the process of CYC professionalisation and therefore needs to be addressed through advance literature and publication, especially in South Africa. This study is the first in the South African context to assess CYCWs perspectives of CYC professionalisation. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the perspectives of CYC workers on the process of CYC professionalisation. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design was used in this study to gather in-depth and meaningful information from 12 CYC workers from 3 CYC centres in eThekwini. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect data. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis was used to analyse data obtained. Results Five major themes emerged from the study namely, child and youth care professionalisation; perspectives of CYC workers prior to professionalisation /statutory regulation; the importance of skills, knowledge, attitudes, values and beliefs in CYC professionalisation; aspects of CYC professionalisation achieved; and aspects of CYC professionalisation not achieved. CYC professionalisation was well understood by the majority of participants. Perspectives towards CYCWs prior to professionalisation were shared. There are important aspects of CYC professionalisation that the participants mentioned that are not achieved. Recognition by the professional council, education and training as well as attendance of conferences were achieved aspects of professionalisation. CYC skills, knowledge, values, attitudes and beliefs proved to be significant factors as they were cited to be very useful during practice. Conclusion Participants acknowledged that education and training, registration and a code of ethics are important factors that are expected to lead to the recognition, employment opportunities, dignity and status as well as salary increase for CYC practitioners. The participants also emphasised that major CYC role players have an important responsibility in contributing to the achievements of the above missing expectations.