Why We Stayed, Why We Left: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Hispanic/Latino Child Welfare Professionals’ Experiences of Organizational and Safety Culture

Author

• Cynthia Franco, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, and Special Education

First Advisor

Justine McGovern

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Riley

Third Advisor

Michael Cull

Abstract

This hermeneutic phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Hispanic/Latino child welfare professionals who were formerly employed at a large urban public child welfare agency. Despite the growing representation of Hispanic/Latino children and families in child welfare systems and the strong vocational commitment of Hispanic/Latino professionals, this group remains underrepresented in the workforce and experiences notable patterns of early attrition. Grounded in safety science and psychological safety frameworks, this study explores how organizational culture, leadership practices, and identity-related dynamics shape professional meaning-making, well-being, and decisions to remain in or leave the field.

Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis consistent with hermeneutic phenomenology. A complementary quantitative survey provided descriptive context regarding job satisfaction, perceived organizational support, and reasons for departure. Findings indicate that participants entered and remained in child welfare with strong moral purpose and cultural pride. However, attrition was not driven by disengagement from the mission, but by organizationally produced harms, including inconsistent psychological safety, chronic surveillance, favoritism, unrecognized linguistic and cultural labor, and limited advancement opportunities.

Participants described navigating cultural dissonance and identity-based strain while also serving as informal cultural brokers. An emergent finding revealed residual emotional and psychological effects that persist beyond employment. At the same time, protective factors such as peer solidarity, shared identity, and supportive leadership sustained commitment.

This study contributes to the literature by centering the voices of Hispanic/Latino professionals and reframing workforce retention as a culturally responsive and ethical imperative. Findings highlight psychological safety, leadership accountability, and organizational learning as critical mechanisms for workforce sustainability, underscoring that workforce conditions are foundational to child safety. Implications include reducing micromanagement, strengthening equitable advancement processes, and formally recognizing cultural and linguistic expertise as essential professional capital.

Recommended Citation

Franco, Cynthia, "Why We Stayed, Why We Left: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Hispanic/Latino Child Welfare Professionals’ Experiences of Organizational and Safety Culture" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/le_etds/54