Journal article
Applying democratic leadership principles to worker wellbeing in non-government child welfare services
European Social Work Research, Vol.First online, pp.1-16
25/05/2026
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Abstract
This article reports on a scoping review study that explored the critical issue of worker wellbeing in child welfare services within non-government agencies. Conducted by researchers at Southern Cross University, Australia, the review was completed in collaboration with UnitingCare and the Community Services Industry Alliance in Queensland, Australia. The article explores ideas emerging from the scoping review related to worker wellbeing in non-government child welfare service provision as related to democratic concepts. Our findings reveal that organisational factors, including culture, power, managerial support and supervisor development, significantly impact worker wellbeing and turnover rates. The article addresses critical questions that these findings raise about implications for workers when non-government child welfare organisations maintain the status quo of managerialist practices grounded in neoliberal ideologies rather than adopting more democratic forms of leadership. Our research highlights the crucial need to apply democratic thinking and theory to organisational and systemic factors related to worker wellbeing. We conclude that embracing democratic values in child welfare practice is essential for fostering a supportive and effective work environment that enhances worker wellbeing. This article offers insights for policy makers, organisational leaders and practitioners seeking to address workforce challenges, improve worker wellbeing and optimise service delivery.
Details
- Title
- Applying democratic leadership principles to worker wellbeing in non-government child welfare services
- Creators
- Elizabeth C. Reimer - Southern Cross UniversityDarran Stonehouse - Southern Cross UniversityClarissa Hitchcock - Southern Cross UniversityErica Russ - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- European Social Work Research, Vol.First online, pp.1-16
- Publisher
- Bristol University Press; BRISTOL
- Grant note
- UnitingCare Queensland Community Service Industry Alliance, Queensland
The research that this article draws on was funded by UnitingCare Queensland and the Community Service Industry Alliance, Queensland.
- Identifiers
- 991013379541902368
- Copyright
- © Authors 2026
- Academic Unit
- Social Work; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article