Voices of Miramichi first-line workers: A qualitative study of the psychosocial needs and services for youth with disruptive behavious (YDB)

Abstract

Youth with disruptive behaviour (YDB) may have serious conditions such as conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which are often comorbid with clinical depression and substance abuse (Angold, Costello, & Erkanli, 1999; Rodgers et al., 2015). Thus, it may be challenging to professionally care for them and/or their families. Focusing on the city of Miramichi (New Brunswick) first-line workers [i.e., police officers and youth workers, including social workers and independent living program (ILP) coaches], this study investigated: (1) their perceptions of the psychosocial needs of YDB; (2) the potential barriers and facilitators in their daily work; and (3) awareness of existing NB services for YDB. This study used qualitative, semi-structured, telephone interviews with eight first-line workers. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The analysis was divided into five general categories: general youth needs, risk and protective factors for youth, barriers for first-line workers in daily work with YDB, facilitators of daily work for first-line workers om daily work with YDB, and front-line workers’ awareness of services in NB. First, the investigation of youth needs in general generated five key themes: (1) lack of achievement and employment, (2) harmful behaviours, (3) mental health and drug abuse, (4) negative relationships, and (5) varying outcomes for YDB. Second, data related to risk factors and protective factors for these youth generated three main themes: (1) prosocial relationships and stable home life (2) sufficient services (3) completion of school and attainment of a job. Such results were consistent with the literature on youth disruptive behaviour disorders (YD). Third, five major themes presented in the data reflecting barriers in the daily work of first-line workers’: (1) The individual youth (2) the emotional nature of the job (3) insufficient services for youth (4) other individuals in the lives of youth (5) minimal barriers among police. Next, the most prominent facilitators in their daily work consisted of: (1) support for youth and (2) support for workers. Finally, when examining Miramichi first-line workers’ awareness of existing NB services, two themes emerged: (1) greater knowledge with greater experience and (2) exclusive awareness of Navicare/SoinsNavi by youth workers. This research indicates gaps in existing services and service delivery for youth within the city of Miramichi.