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When practice and policy collide: Child welfare workers' perceptions of investigation processes

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  • Lee, Shawna J.
  • Sobeck, Joanne L.
  • Djelaj, Valentina
  • Agius, Elizabeth

Abstract

This qualitative study examines variability in practices surrounding Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations regarding the allegations of child maltreatment. Working under the auspices of a community-research collaboration with Department of Human Services officials, university researchers conducted a series of focus groups with CPS caseworkers in a state that was under court-ordered consent decree to improve child welfare investigations. Focus groups with caseworkers sought to better understand caseworkers' common investigative practices and their perceptions of best practices in conducting child welfare investigations. Two main areas were noted for improvement: (1) the need for ongoing training of CPS workers, particularly at the stage of initial intake of the allegations of maltreatment, and cross-training of police and hospital staff who regularly work with CPS, and (2) implementation of an improved risk assessment tool. These recommendations are discussed in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Shawna J. & Sobeck, Joanne L. & Djelaj, Valentina & Agius, Elizabeth, 2013. "When practice and policy collide: Child welfare workers' perceptions of investigation processes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 634-641.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:35:y:2013:i:4:p:634-641
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.01.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rittner, Barbara, 2002. "The use of risk assessment instruments in child protective services case planning and closures," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(3), pages 189-207, March.
    2. Baird, Christopher & Wagner, Dennis, 2000. "The relative validity of actuarial- and consensus-based risk assessment systems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(11-12), pages 839-871.
    3. Shlonsky, Aron & Wagner, Dennis, 2005. "The next step: Integrating actuarial risk assessment and clinical judgment into an evidence-based practice framework in CPS case management," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 409-427, April.
    4. Gambrill, Eileen & Shlonsky, Aron, 2001. "The need for comprehensive risk management systems in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 79-107, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shipe, Stacey L. & Uretsky, Mathew C. & LaBrenz, Catherine A. & Shdaimah, Corey S. & Connell, Christian M., 2022. "When families, organizational culture, and policy collide: A mixed method study of alternative response," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    2. Semanchin Jones, Annette & Logan-Greene, Patricia, 2016. "Understanding and responding to chronic neglect: A mixed methods case record examination," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 212-219.
    3. Godoy, Sarah & Kainz, Kirsten & Brevard, Kanisha & Keyes, Oprah, 2022. "A conceptual model to guide collaborative reflective practice and values-driven child welfare decision-making," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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