We are pleased to assemble this special issue focused on the workforce in residential treatment. The call for papers was conceptualized at a time when post-COVID-19 recruitment and retention was a leading concern for residential treatment providers, particularly as it applies to direct care (residential) workers. These workers are at the forefront of care in residential treatment, as staff in these roles often spend the most time with young people in care. They take on an in loco parentis role and as such can act as role models, rule enforcers, and behavioral interventionists, among other roles; as a result, having well-trained, well-supported staff on the frontlines is key for supporting and achieving the safety, permanency, and well-being of youth.
Part of the impetus for conceptualizing this special issue was what can arguably be called a staffing crisis for direct care roles and our recognition that this is an issue that transcends a specific country or jurisdiction. As such, this special issue sought papers that could provide insight for readers about the magnitude of current issues as well as some ideas as to what has worked for the recruitment, training, and retention of quality direct care workers. As a collection, this issue aims to bring together important learning in one place for the residential care sector.
This special issue will be published in two parts, this first comprising seven papers that report findings from the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. A second part will be published in 2024. Several of the papers in this issue explore current topics associated with residential treatment staffing, including expected educational attainment as well as other demographic information about the workforce. In their contribution, Verhage and colleagues provide us with considerations about the connections between theoretical formal training and the practical day-to-day role working in residential treatment; they offer insight and recommendations about training curriculum to equip staff to be better prepared. Recruitment and retention techniques and their impact on staffing levels are explored by Collins and Katz, with a focus on the impact of COVID funding on recruitment and retention of staff. One paper examines the impact of facility scale on staff perception of safety and group climate. Two papers discuss training and preparation for direct care staff and the impact this has on their work. A final paper focuses on the impact of reflective supervision on staff.
Overall, we are excited to share this collection of research with you and the practice insights that are highlighted. We hope that these findings inspire further support for frontline workers, whose knowledge and skills as well as personal characteristics like perseverance and optimism are so important to the culture and climate of residential care settings.