Understanding Youth Justice Professionals’ Motivations For Their Work

Abstract

Youth Justice (YJ) professionals experience work-related stress, challenges and trauma in their work (Sibisi & Warria, 2020) yet they continue to enter the field. Research regarding motivations of YJ professionals for their work is limited, but necessary to improve overall quality of care and to ensure the most suitable candidates are hired. Semi-structured interviews aimed to explore YJ workers’ motivations for their work and how they experience and cope with challenges on the job. Thematic analyses indicates that YJ professionals are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the lives of youth through prevention and intervention, progress and learning, and advocacy and resource provision. Challenges in YJ work are often related to feeling unsupported owing to low salaries, staff shortages, and system constraints. Motivating factors which contribute to their ability to stay in the field despite the challenges include a passion for their work and seeing change in their clients. Healthy coping strategies appear necessary to manage challenges and may contribute to the longevity in the field. Findings provide insight into YJ professionals' motivations, coping, and reasons for remaining in the field. These results can help to inform hiring, training and policy in Ontario YJ work.