Preparing Staff

The contributions of a residential facility’s management team, staff, and volunteers are crucial to caring well for children throughout a transition. They often care deeply for the children and may be concerned about what transition means for the children’s safety and well-being. It’s important to address these and any other concerns and to give staff concrete ways to remain informed and engaged. Those who have worked as caregivers, for example, often have valuable insight regarding children’s individual backgrounds, needs, and preferences. Participation in forums, planning groups, and other opportunities for dialogue allow staff to express their concerns, share their ideas, and prepare for and work in partnership with the changes.

Protecting and caring for children in family care requires careful thought to training, recruiting, and supporting the people who can do the work. Some staff may be able to transition to new roles such as community social workers, family service providers, or foster parents. These individuals can benefit from mentoring, access to supportive supervision, and professional development. Other staff whose jobs are phased out can benefit from information and support to help them come to terms with the transition, as well as linkages to alternative job placement opportunities. A family care model may require new staff to fill roles that require professionally trained social workers or other paraprofessionals trained in child protection and case management.