Equipping the child welfare workforce to improve the well-being of children. Issue 2 (18th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barth, Richard P.; Lee, Bethany R.; Hodorowicz, Mary Theresa
• Is Part Of: Journal of children's services. Volume 12:Issue 2/3(2017)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2017-09-18
• Subjects: USA -- Child -- MSW -- Child welfare -- Child welfare workforce -- Mental health treatment; Child care services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1108/JCS-05-2017-0017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-6660

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss ways of equipping the child welfare (CW) workforce to improve the well-being of children through graduate education and post-MSW training. Design/methodology/approach: This paper analyses the barriers to providing mental health (MH) services to vulnerable children and families and discusses three evidence-based ways of overcoming them. Findings: Child and family social workers need to do more than case management if they are to influence the well-being of the children and families they seek to help. A variety of methods is necessary to implement this changed role and three initiatives – Partnering for Success, Motivational Interviewing for Child Welfare Trainees and Training Adoption-Competent Welfare Professionals – show promising results. CW workers can learn to implement evidence-informed MH practices with high fidelity. Research limitations/implications: None of the studies are controlled studies. Practical implications: The paper offers innovative ideas about workforce implications and implementation strategies. Social implications: Abused and neglected children's well-being is deserving of more effective methods. Originality/value: The paper provides details of three innovative evidence-based projects – national models in the USA – concerned with promoting children's well-being.