Exploring Child Welfare Workers' Experiences with Neglect Cases: A Qualitative Study. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DeLong-Hamilton, Tobi A.; Krase, Kathryn; Bundy-Fazioli, Kimberly
• Is Part Of: Journal of public child welfare. Volume 10:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: child neglect -- assessment -- case worker -- experiences; Child welfare -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.70973
• DOI: 10.1080/15548732.2015.1075454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8732

Abstract

Abstract : Child neglect continues to be a pressing concern in American society. However, child neglect is often found to be more difficult to assess than other forms of child maltreatment. This study explores how child welfare workers experience their day-to-day work with children and families, when neglect is the presenting concern. Convenience sampling was used to recruit former and current child welfare workers ( N = 20). Three focus groups were conducted. The analyses identified four themes inherent in case workers' experiences in neglect cases: a dirty house isn't just a dirty house, dilemmas and professional judgment, different values, and ambivalence: compassion and frustration. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.