A New Perspective: Administrator Recommendations for Reducing Child Welfare Turnover. Issue 5 (19th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffiths, Austin; Collins-Camargo, Crystal; Horace, Angelique; Gabbard, Jay; Royse, David
• Is Part Of: Human service organizations, management, leadership & governance. Volume 44:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 417
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2020-10-19
• Subjects: Child welfare -- administration -- turnover -- retention -- workforce/workplace issues in human service organizations -- organizational and management theory and analysis -- management -- leadership and organizational change -- implementation -- community engagement and advocacy; Social service -- Periodicals; Social work administration -- Periodicals; 361.3068
• DOI: 10.1080/23303131.2020.1786760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2330-3131

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Child maltreatment impacts society on multiple levels, and consistent turnover in the child welfare workforce creates financial challenges and problems associated with service delivery. This study explores the qualitative survey findings from a statewide sample of child welfare administrators in one state (n = 86). When asked to provide suggestions for improving workforce retention, nine overarching themes emerged: compensation, decreased workload, organizational culture, job factors, professional development, frontline supervision, performance management, leverage external partners, and competent and engage leadership. A comparative analysis ensues, where these strategies are juxtaposed with those of frontline supervisors and frontline workers. Similarities, differences, and implications are explored.