Voices of First-Line Workers: A Qualitative Study of the Barriers and Facilitators in Working with Youth with Disruptive Behaviour (YDB)

Abstract BACKGROUND: Youth who exhibit disruptive behaviour may have serious conditions, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, which are often comorbid with clinical depression and substance abuse. Thus, it may be challenging to professionally care for them and their families. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to supporting youth with disruptive behaviour in an urban city in Eastern Canada from the perspective of first-line workers. METHODS: In the context of this study, first-line workers included police officers and youth workers (e.g., social workers and independent living program coaches). We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews over the telephone with eight first-line workers. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged from the data reflecting barriers in the daily work of first-line workers: (1) counterproductive youth behaviours; (2) emotional nature of the job; (3) insufficient services for youth; (4) other individuals in the lives of youth; and (5) minimal barriers as perceived by police. The facilitators that emerged from the data were: (1) support for youth and (2) support for workers. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, this study indicated that, despite creative local multi-modal initiatives, services for youth with disruptive behaviour disorders remain under-funded or insufficient, and at times still incohesive in their delivery.