Behind the Stigma: Unveiling the Humanity and Resilience in Child Protection Work

Child protection is the most meaningful, challenging work I’ve ever done and one of the most uncomfortable to discuss. I haven’t worked on the front lines in over 10 years but continue to consult and train front-line staff, who reaffirm that the issues persist. Historically, I’ve found myself in social settings such as parties or casual dinners, hesitating when people asked me, "What do you do for a living?" In reality, whenever I would tell people I worked as a child protection worker, the reactions ranged from awkward silence to uncomfortable questions and sometimes judgment. From talking to frontline practitioners today, I’ve not heard much of a change in this resistance and the responses that it elicits. Much of it concerns misunderstandings about child welfare practitioners' daily work. Unfortunately, most of the public envisions child protection workers as people who rush in and take children away from their parents. They’ve taken that from headline-grabbing reports or extreme portrayals in films and TV dramas.

The truth is much more complex. Like many child welfare workers, my role was to help families stay together where possible, providing resources and facilitating safety plans to help children grow up in safe surroundings. That stigma of "the child kidnapper" persisted in people’s minds. It’s disappointing because it’s far from our real work. I recall people saying, "How do you do that job?" or "I could never do something so gloomy." I understood what they meant, but those remarks often felt judgmental. They didn’t understand or rarely heard about the triumphs, about practitioners helping a family overcome something challenging and become more resilient. They were never told about or shown (on television) the moments when a child reunites with their parents after months of effort and recovery.

Today’s practitioners often face a similar dilemma, resorting to vague phrases like, “I work in social services,” or shifting topics to sidestep awkward conversations. Some even downplay their role entirely, driven by a fear of judgment or ridicule. However, the issue runs deeper than misconceptions. Child protection is emotionally taxing, and it’s not always possible to leave the weight of it behind at the office. On some days, the strain followed me home. Discussing it in public often felt like reopening a wound I was trying to heal. Yet, despite the challenges, I never regretted my profession quite the opposite. I was immensely proud of the work I was doing. 

However, conveying that pride in a manner that other people could relate to and respect always felt like a delicate compromise. And I’ve come to think that a large part of the problem is the stigma surrounding the issues we face in child protection. Child abuse, neglect, and family dysfunctions are complex taboo topics. They erode individuals' sense of security, leading some to turn away and assume such issues are confined to distant parts of the world or other demographics beyond their realm of concern. By extension, child protection workers bring these issues into focus, often becoming symbols of discomfort. It’s not that people fail to value our work. They struggle to comprehend it. I’ve also noticed how these assumptions hinder meaningful and productive dialogue. 

When I tried to explain my role, I often encountered defensiveness and misplaced concerns about the so-called bureaucratic and heartless approach of child protective workers. The recurring question, "Have you ever taken someone’s children away?" seemed to define my profession in the eyes of others, as though that single act encapsulated the entirety of child protection work. Child welfare professionals should be proud of their work because they transform lives. They empower parents to overcome remarkable challenges and help create stable, loving homes for children. They comfort scared, withdrawn children and help them grow into strong, thriving individuals. Sharing these stories is vital to assisting others to see the humanity, resilience, and hope at the heart of child protection.

Child protection workers need to feel supported, not just within their professional circles but also in the broader community. We need spaces where we can share our experiences without fear of judgment and where their stories are met with understanding and respect. It’s not always easy to talk about what I did or what practitioners today continue to do, but it’s worth it. Each time workers share their stories, they help shift perceptions and show that child protection work isn’t just about responding to crises but building hope, strength, and resilience. That’s why ATA Consultancy is introducing an innovative YouTube series of interviews featuring protection workers to address these misconceptions and illuminate the true nature and humanity behind this work. These interviews provide a platform for professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in their own words. By showcasing the real stories behind the work, we aim to foster understanding, dispel myths, and highlight the compassion and dedication that define child protection. It’s a step toward creating a more informed and supportive conversation around this essential profession.

To participate, please get in touch with us at admin@ataconsultancy.net.