Exploring the impact of work related stress and professional wellbeing with practitioners in homes for children

This study examines experiences of staff wellbeing in homes for cared-for children and theoretically considers how staff wellbeing influences the care children receive. Staff in these settings often experience high levels of stress and burnout, due to the demanding nature of their roles and the lack of professional support. Personal accounts and approaches to coping were collected through an anonymous online platform, then explored through descriptive statistics, a correlation matrix, three separate multiple regression analyses, a multiple linear regression, and thematic analysis. Staff wellbeing is significantly influenced by coping strategies, selfcompassion, and support systems. Participants who reported higher levels of compassion satisfaction exhibited lower levels of burnout. Conversely, avoidant coping strategies and unprocessed secondary traumatic stress were associated with increased burnout. The study also underscores the importance of a supportive work environment, including regular supervision, professional development, and access to mental health resources, in enhancing staff resilience and reducing turnover. Recommendations for the homes for children sector include implementing comprehensive support systems to enhance staff wellbeing, and integrating trauma informed care training and principles. By addressing these areas, the sector can improve care quality and better support the developmental needs of vulnerable children through enhanced placement stability and therapeutic value.