My Child Welfare Librarian

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child Welfare Information Gateway Library Search

My Child Welfare Librarian

Workforce & Training - Results (30 Publications)

Title: Goal 2: School Transitions: Caseworkers' Roles.
Published: 2008
Available from: Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
http://www.abanet.org/child/education/home.shtml
American Bar Association, Center on Children and the Law
740 15th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/education/blueprint_tools_goal_2_cw.pdf
Abstract: When youth must move between schools, they often have trouble enrolling. Delays can lead them to miss important classroom time. Transitions in the middle of the year can make it harder for youth to access academic and extracurricular programs. This factsheet is designed to help caseworkers assist youth in school transitions.

Title: Gearing Up to Improve Outcomes for Families: New York State Collaborative Practice Guide for Managers and Supervisors in Child Welfare, Chemical Dependency Services, and Court Systems.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/publications/Pub5073.pdf
Abstract: This guidebook, developed with technical assistance provided by the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW), is based on the premise that when substance use disorders affect children and families, children can suffer from abuse and/ or neglect. When this occurs, it is essential that the Chemical Dependency, Child Welfare and Family Court systems work together with families to achieve child safety, sustained parental recovery, and family wellbeing. This tool was created to serve as a desk reference for staff to assist in maximizing their effectiveness in working with families, and each other. It is only through collaboration and communication across systems and with families that we can give families an opportunity to achieve long-term recovery. This guide is designed specifically for the State of New York, and is modeled after the ACS/OASAS protocol as well as the national SAFERR (Screening and Assessment for Family Engagement, Retention and Recovery) model. Like SAFERR, this guide is based on three overarching principles: (1) The co-occurrence of child maltreatment and substance use disorders demands urgency, and the highest standards of practice from everyone charged with assuring child safety and promoting family wellbeing; (2) Success is possible and feasible. Staff in each system has the desire and potential to change individual lives and create responsible public policies; and (3) Family members must be active partners and participants in addressing these problems. This guide highlights the opportunities for the caseworkers, Chemical Dependency counselors, and court personnel that work with families to coordinate their efforts in order to: (1) Establish local cross-system teams to share information and coordinate case planning and service delivery to improve the ability of families to succeed; (2) Develop tools and strategies to incorporate into daily practice protocols; (3) Provide Courts with information to facilitate timely and informed decisions regarding child safety and permanency; and (4) Employ jointly defined mechanisms for problem-solving and success-sharing. (Author abstract)

Title: Supervisory Training to Enhance Permanency Solutions (STEPS) [Website].
Published: 2008
Available from: Center for Adoption Research
http://www.centerforadoptionresearch.org
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Reed, Rose and Gordon Building
196 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Document available online at: http://www.steps-umms.org/index.aspx
Abstract: Supervisory Training to Enhance Permanency Solutions (STEPS) is a professional development program comprised of six training modules. The modules were designed to enhance Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) supervisory practices with respect to specific strategies to engage and support social workers in the management of adolescent care, including promoting permanency and preparing adolescents for young adulthood. (Author abstract)

Title: Effects of a Foster Parent Training Intervention on Placement Changes of Children in Foster Care.
Author(s): Price, Joseph M.;Chamberlain, Patricia.;Landsverk, John.;Reid, John B.;Leve, Leslie.;Laurent, Heidemarie.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child Maltreatment
v. 13, 1, February 2008, p. 64-75
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: Placement disruptions undermine efforts of child welfare agencies to promote safety, permanency, and child well-being. Child behavior problems significantly contribute to placement changes. The aims of this investigation were to examine the impact of a foster parent training and support intervention (KEEP) on placement changes and to determine whether the intervention mitigates placement disruption risks associated with children's placement histories. The sample included 700 families with children between ages 5 and 12 years, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Families were randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition. The number of prior placements was predictive of negative exits from current foster placements. The intervention increased chances of a positive exit (e.g., parent/child reunification) and mitigated the risk-enhancing effect of a history of multiple placements. Incorporating intervention approaches based on a parent management training model into child welfare services may improve placement outcomes for children in foster care. (Author abstract)

Title: Establishing Positive Youth Development Approaches in Group Home Settings: Training Implementation and Evaluation.
Author(s): Collins, Mary Elizabeth.;Hill, Natalie.;Miranda, Celina.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
v. 25, 1, February 2008, p. 43-54
Available from: Springer
http://www.springer.com/
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Abstract: This article reports on a training program for group home supervisors that was designed to utilize positive youth development principles in work with youth transitioning from care to independent living. Over a period of 5 months, eight one-day training sessions took place across one state in the U.S. (Massachusetts) with a total of 186 group care staff in attendance. The evaluation consisted of three components: observation of participant feedback during training, training day post-test, and follow-up with participants 2-3 months after training. Implications of the data, particularly barriers to implementation of training programs, are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Rookie Burnout: Eager College Grads Hit Culture Shock with Poor Urban Kids.
Author(s): Myers, Jim.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Youth Today
v. 17, 3, March 2008, p. 1, 12-13.
Available from: Youth Today
http://www.youthtoday.org
1200 17th St. NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-3006
Abstract: This article discusses the challenges new social workers face when confronted with troubled urban youth, and describes strategies The Choice organization is using to recruit and keep new front-line workers. Strategies for preventing rookie burnout include being up front about the rigors of the job, looking for applicants with real-world experience, providing orientation and classroom training, and supporting staff.

Title: Case Management Optimization: Stakeholder Involvement.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/reports/CaseManagement_Stakeholder.pdf
Abstract: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) contracted with Navigant Consulting, Inc. for assistance in the optimization of the state's case management services. In 2005, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1188, which directs HHSC to assess, review and undertake optimization of case management programs and services across the HHSC enterprise. In response to Section 2.4.2.5 of the HHSC RFP, this document reports on the use of stakeholder involvement in the analysis of the current case management system and in the development of case management optimization recommendations which are described in detail in the Analysis of the Current Case Management System in Texas report and the Recommendations for Improving Case Management in Texas report. This report also includes a summary of stakeholder comments and the contractor's approach to obtaining comments. (Author abstract)

Title: Critical Multicultural Social Work.
Author(s): Sisneros, Jose.;Stakeman, Catherine.;Joyner, Mildred C.;Schmitz, Cathryne. L.
Published: 2008
Available from: Lyceum Books, Inc.
http://www.lyceumbooks.com/
5758 S. Blackstone
Chicago, IL 60637
Abstract: This book explores multicultural social work practice from a critical perspective by examining oppression and diversity across multiple dimensions, including race and ethnicity, gender, sex and sexual orientation, and ability and disability. Following a discussion of different forms of multiculturalism, five types of oppression, and the history of rights and policies in the United States, Chapter 2 examines identity development and racial identity in African Americans and people who are white. In chapters 3, 4, and 5, specific oppressed groups are examined, analyzed, and deconstructed within a critical multicultural context that acknowledges the structural and power dynamics of oppression and examines the specific mechanisms of oppression of each group. In Chapter 6, the complexity of intersections between race/ethnicity; gender, sex, and sexual orientation; and disabilities are analyzed. The final chapter discusses practice arenas in which multicultural issues most frequently surface and how tenets of critical multiculturalism can be applied. Self-reflection exercises are provided throughout the text to encourage self-awareness and sensitivity when working with clients. 11 boxes, 8 tables, 3 figures, and numerous references.

Title: The Florida Child Welfare Behavior Analysis Services Program.
Author(s): Stoutimore, Michael R.;Williams, Catherine E.;Neff, Bryon.;Foster, Margie.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Research on Social Work Practice
OnlineFirst May 20, 2008,
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: Abuse, neglect, or both often result in removing children from their homes and placing them in foster care. As a result of these experiences, many children learn unhealthy behaviors. These "behavioral challenges" often lead to a cycle of multiple placement disruptions and progressively more restrictive placements. The philosophy, science, and technologies of behavior analysis are well suited to address this cycle. The Florida Department of Children and Families Behavior Analysis Services Program (BASP) is a behavior analysis initiative, combining research with service provision, developing and implementing data-based practices. Since 2001, the BASP has operated through statewide contracts with behavior analysis programs at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. The BASP employs board certified behavior analysts and offers promise for the continued development of best practices. This article provides a description on the foundations, development, and current status of the BASP. (Author abstract)

Title: A Study of the Massachusetts Child Care Voucher System: Impact on Children, Families, Providers, and Resource and Referral Agencies.
Author(s): Washington, Valora.;Reed, Mary.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Families in Society
v. 89, 2, April-June 2008, p. 202-207
Available from: Families in Society
http://www.familiesinsociety.org
11700 West Lake Park Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53224-3099
Abstract: This ethnographic case study of the Massachusetts voucher system tests the belief that demand subsidies increase choice and purchasing power for working poor families while improving the quality of care for children. Using multiple methodologies, we examined vouchers' impact on parents, child care providers, and resource and referral agencies. All participants recognized the value of the subsidy. Yet low reimbursement rates forced providers to subsidize the system; many limited or refused vouchers. Providers and families had a strong bond; each was often overwhelmed by and suspicious of voucher administration. Children experienced discontinuity of care. Underresourced, resource and referral agencies struggle to balance a dual mission of service and "policing." Specific policy recommendations were suggested, and adopted, in Massachusetts. (Author abstract)

Title: Ads From the Public Advertising Campaign to Recruit Child Protective Specialists Featuring 12 "Real" Caseworkers.
Published: 2008
Available from: New York City Administration for Children's Services
http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs
150 William Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Document available online at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/html/career/work_cps_ads.shtml
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/downloads/pdf/career_cps_ads.pdf
Abstract: The New York City Administration for Children's Services launched its first large-scale public advertising campaign in 2008 to recruit Child Protective Specialists, the frontline caseworkers who investigate child abuse and neglect. The recruitment campaign advertisements, titled "We Stand By New York City's Children," feature the photographs of 12 current Children's Services caseworkers and supervisors who work in Field Offices throughout the City. The ads challenge potential applicants to consider whether they have the key attributes necessary to doing the job well, asking: "Are You Smart Enough, Are You Brave Enough, Are You Strong Enough, to be a Child Protection Specialist?" (Author abstract)

Title: Goal 1: School Stability: Caseworkers' Roles.
Published: 2008
Available from: Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
http://www.abanet.org/child/education/home.shtml
American Bar Association, Center on Children and the Law
740 15th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/education/blueprint_tools_goal_1_cw.pdf
Abstract: Youth in foster care move between living placements an average of once to twice a year. When youth move, they often are forced to change schools. This causes many youth in care to fall behind in school and even to drop out. Read the following tips to learn how you can help. Check the resource boxes for programs, publications, and information on finding your state's law. (Author abstract)

Title: Long-Term Effects of Stressors on Relationship Well-Being and Parenting Among Rural African American Women.
Author(s): Murry, Velma M.;Harrell, Amanda W.;Brody, Gene H.;Chen, Yi-Fu.;Simons, Ronald L.;Black, Angela R.;Cutrona, Carolyn E.;Gibbons, Frederick X.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Relations
v. 57, 2, April 2008, 117-127
Available from: Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: This investigation of the effects of stressful life events on rural African American women's relationship well-being, psychological functioning, and parenting included 361 married or long-term cohabiting women. Associations among stressful events, socioeconomic status, perceived racial discrimination, coping strategies, psychological functioning, relationship well-being, and parenting were tested. Stressful events were related directly to diminished relationship well-being and heightened psychological distress and indirectly to compromised parenting. The results can inform research and intervention with African American women. (Author abstract)

Title: Communication Skills in Child Protection: How do Social Workers Talk to Parents?
Author(s): Forrester, Donald.;Kershaw, Sophie.;Moss, Helen.;Hughes, Laura.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child and Family Social Work
v. 13, 1, February 2008, p. 41-51
Available from: Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: Communication skills are fundamental to social work practice, yet there is little research on the skills that workers have or how they use them. This study analyses 24 taped interviews between social workers and an actor playing a parent (a ?simulated client?). Two child protection scenarios with different levels of seriousness were used. On average, social workers asked many closed questions and often raised concerns. They used few reflections and rarely identified positives. In all but one interview, social workers were rated as achieving clarity over issues of concern; however, they tended to demonstrate low levels of empathy. The responses of the simulated client were rated for resistance and information disclosure. The factor that most strongly influenced simulated client responses was empathy. Empathic social workers created less resistance and increased the amount of information disclosed by clients. This was not associated with failure to identify and discuss concerns. Empathy, therefore, appears to be central to good social work communication in child protection situations. Given the comparatively low level of empathy expressed by most participants, development of skills in maintaining empathic communication while raising child protection concerns appears a priority. Practical, theoretical and training implications are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: The Relationship Between Organizational Characteristics and Workforce Turnover Among Rural, Urban, and Suburban Public Child Welfare Systems.
Author(s): Strolin-Goltzman, Jessica.;Auerbach, Charles.;McGowan, Brenda G.;McCarthy, Mary L.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Administration in Social Work
v. 32, 1, 2008, p. 77-91
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Many child welfare agencies across the country are experiencing a severe workforce crisis involving high staff turnover rates. The purpose of this study was to analyze the similarities and differences on intention to leave among rural, urban, and suburban child welfare districts with an explicit focus on organizational, individual, and supervisory factors. Eight hundred and twenty workers and supervisors from twenty-five child welfare agencies participated in a survey addressing organizational, individual, and supervisory factors related to workforce turnover. ANOVA and Logistic regression models were conducted in the analysis. Findings suggest that there are unique influences on intention to leave among the three localities. Implications for social work education and organizational practice are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Recruitment and Retention of a Qualified Workforce: The Foundation of Success: A Presentation from the Children's Bureau 2003 Grantees, Developing Models of Effective Child Welfare Staff Recruitment and Retention Training.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Document available online at: http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/telefiles/052008tele/RecruitmentRetentionGrantees.doc
Abstract: Includes project abstracts, descriptions of activities and accomplishments, major findings, and lists of major products and tools produced by Children's Bureau Grantees under the Developing Models of Effective Child Welfare Staff Recruitment and Retention Training program.

Title: Child Welfare Workforce.
Author(s): Hjelm, Rebecca Toni.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Data Analysis System
http://ndas.cwla.org
Child Welfare League of America
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Printable version (PDF): http://ndas.cwla.org/include/pdf/Workforce_Final_IB.pdf
Abstract: A systematic review of literature on child welfare workforce retention, conducted by the Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR), identified several personal and organizational factors that influence the retention of caseworkers. They include caseloads, supervisory support, education, opportunity for advancement and salary. This issue brief addresses these factors. (Author abstract)

Title: Neonatal Substance Exposure/Substance Exposed Newborns (SEN) [e-learning].
Published: 2007
Available from: Arizona State CASA Program
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/casa/
Arizona State CASA Office
1501 West Washington
Suite 119A

Phoenix, AZ 85007
Document available online at: http://www.supreme.state.az.us/casa/prepare/neonatal.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.supreme.state.az.us/casa/prepare/neonatal.pdf
Abstract: This training module will present you with information on the effects that intrauterine drug exposure has on children. While some drugs were studied many years ago, others have become topics of concern only in the past decade. You will also be given information on how a drug affects a child's long term development and methods for working with drug-affected children. (Author abstract)

Title: The Challenge of Workforce Management in a Global Society: Modeling the Relationship Between Diversity, Inclusion, Organizational Culture, and Employee Well-Being, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Committment.
Author(s): Findler, Liora.;Wind, Leslie H.;Barak, Michalle E. Mor.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Administration in Social Work.
v. 31, 3, 2007, p. 63-94
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Social work managers are increasingly challenged by the growing need to effectively manage workforce diversity and to create a welcoming and inclusive organizational environment. This is particularly important in light of the disproportional representation of women and members of minority groups in human service organizations and the gap between diversity of the client population versus the diversity of the staff. With social identity theory and inclusion-exclusion conceptual framework as a backdrop, this study tests a comprehensive theory-based model of the relationship between diversity, organizational culture, and employee outcomes. Using structural equations modeling, the proposed model was tested in a representative sample of one hundred and fourteen employees in a high tech company in Israel. The results point to significant paths between diversity and organizational-culture variables and between organizational-culture variables such as fairness, inclusion, stress, and social support to employee outcomes of well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Within the context of globalization, implications for social work management practices are drawn, particularly for implementing policies and practices that promote an inclusive organizational culture and a sense of belonging, satisfaction, and commitment in employees. (Author abstract)

Title: New York State Partnership for Family Recovery Training Plan.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Abstract: The plan outlined in this document details a three-step process to encourage local communities to strengthen their cross-systems work between child welfare, substance abuse treatment, and family court to best support vulnerable families. This process has been developed through the New York State Partnership for Family Recovery, as supported by the National Center for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW). The process, which is designed to complement the NYS Protocol for Cross-Systems Communication and Information Sharing, incorporates a public awareness campaign targeting professionals, a broad-based training initiative, and a more targeted advanced training and technical assistance effort in select counties. The process leverages the power of existing stakeholder groups, conferences and trainings to maximize communication and skill development across the state. (Author abstract)

Title: Supported Employment in Maine: Youth in Foster Care.
Author(s): Sheehy, Alfred M.;Gieseke, Amy.;Herrick, Tamara Harden.;Zanghi, Marty.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Printable version (PDF): http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/rcpdfs/Supportedemployment.pdf
Abstract: The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth describes five "Guideposts for Success," for youth in foster care. The guideposts include: 1. School-based preparatory experiences; 2. Career preparation and work-based learning experiences; 3. Youth Development and Leadership; 4. Connecting activities; and 5. Family involvement and supports. This study focuses on career preparation and work-based learning experiences. The report includes policy recommendations for system stakeholders including Departments of Health and Human Services, Departments of Labor, and providers of supported employment services. A comprehensive literature review is included as an appendix to this report. This report describes the employment experiences of 35 Maine youth in foster care. The study methods used included a quantitative analysis of the employment experiences of youth in care and a qualitative component that included interviews with five youth from the sample and four adults (a program job coach, a vocational case manager, a foster/adoptive parent, and a representative from a First Jobs business partner). The study attempts to answer four research questions: 1. What are the real or apparent mental and physical disabilities that are present in youth involved in First Jobs? 2. What are the overall job readiness, work ethic, work skills and knowledge, and other positive and negative issues related to employment? 3. What are the characteristics and issues unique to foster care and transition from foster care that impact employment outcomes? 4. What are the types of job experience and work skill learning settings, employer and service provider practices, or other factors related to successful connections with a job and career path? (Author abstract)

Title: Assessment of Behavior Management and Behavioral Interventions in State Child Welfare Facilities.
Author(s): Wong, Stephen E.
Published: 2006
Journal Name: Residential treatment for children and youth : the official journal of the American Association of Children's Residential Centers.
v. 23, 3/4, p. 105-117
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Official state program reviews of 204 substitute care facilities were assessed for the types of behavior management and behavioral interventions used and the extent to which agency practices were consistent with learning theory principles. Data were also collected on the type and number of professional staff available to implement and oversee these procedures. Results showed that a sizable portion of the agencies used restrictive procedures (e.g., "timeout") for response reduction purposes, but without incorporating positive reinforcement programs (e.g., token or point systems, contingent privileges) that would make the application of these procedures humane and therapeutically effective. Program reviews also indicated that relatively small numbers of professinally trained staff were available on-site to supervise the use of behavior management procedures and behavioral interventions. (Author abstract)

Title: Assessing Staff Competence at Implementing a Multifaceted Residential Program for Youth: Development and Initial Psychometrics of a Staff Obeservation Form.
Author(s): Hurley, Kristin Duppong.;Shaw, Tanya.;Thompson, Ron.;Griffith, Annette.;Farmer, Elizabeth M.;Tierney, Jeff.
Published: 2006
Journal Name: Residential treatment for children and youth : the official journal of the American Association of Children's Residential Centers.
v. 23, 3/4, p. 83-104
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This study describes the development of the Staff Implementation Observation Form, an instrument to assess staff competence delivering an intervention to youth in group home care with behavioral or emotional disorders. This instrument assesses staff skill at implementing the key treatment components, including building relationships with youth, teaching skills to youth, implementing a token economy, and establishing a youth self-government system. The pilot study, observing 92 staff members, found that the instrument possesses promising psychometric qualities, including adequate inter-rater agreement, internal scale consistency, and predictive validity. A cluster analysis identified groups of staff that had low, average, and high implementation. The instrument allows administrators to examine item-level implementation of residential staff to identify specific training needs within each subscale. (Author abstract)

Title: Kids and Cops: Making the Connection.
Published: 2005
Available from: Child Witness to Violence Project (CWVP)
http://www.childwitnesstoviolence.org/
Boston Medical Center
91 East Concord Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Abstract: This 17 minute video is for use with police officers in training on child development and police intervention with children. Filmed at the Child Witness to Violence Project and featuring Boston Police officers and project staff, this video gives officers useful tips on how children view police officers and how to intervene with children in appropriate ways. (Author abstract)

Title: Developing a Child Protection Training Strategy for Health Organisations: Best Practice Guidance.
Author(s): Slater, Lin.
Published: 2005
Available from: National Public Health Service for Wales
http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/home.cfm?orgid=719
Unit 1 Charnwood Court, Heol Billingsley, Parc Nantgarw
Cardiff, Wales CF15 7QZ.
Printable version (PDF): http://www2.nphs.wales.nhs.uk:8080/ChildProDocs.nsf/($All)/80256FF6004B4FD980257089004E6450/$File/Developing%20a%20Child%20Protection%20Training%20Strategy%20for%20Health%20Organisations-Best%20Practice%20Guidance.pdf?OpenElement
Abstract: This Best Practice Guidance is meant to assist in developing consistency and standards for the delivery of child protection training for the health service in Wales.

Title: Issues in Designing and Adapting an Administration Concentration.
Author(s): Packard, Thomas.
Published: 2004
Journal Name: Administration in social work
v. 28, 1, 2004, p. 5-20
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This paper suggests issues to consider in the design of an administration concentration, using a case study for illustration. Management competencies of graduates are offered as the products that focus the design process. Strategic planning and program design techniques, including environmental scanning, monitoring for quality assurance, and mechanisms to link various aspects of the curriculum, are suggested. Key design principles include data collection and analysis to identify emerging needs and opportunities, monitoring to ensure program quality, and learning organization concepts. Areas for further research include determining management competencies, course and fieldwork content, measuring competence, and identifying and disseminating best practices. (Author abstract)

Title: Educating Future Social Work Administrators.
Author(s): Austin, Michael.;Ezell, Mark.
Published: 2004
Journal Name: Administration in social work
v. 28, 1, 2004, p. 1-137
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This issue of Administration in Social Work grew out of an innovative approach to taking stock of the educational issues facing MSW students who specialize in administration, their faculty, and, to some degree, the social work profession. The articles in this special issue reflect the creative contributions of their authors as well as the discussions that unfolded at the Board Institute in Charleston, South Carolina, in June 2002. Under the able leadership of the Journal's editor, Professor Leon Ginsburg, this special issue includes articles that focus intensively on educational topics, questions and concerns facing the field of social work administration. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Recruitment and Retention in Child Welfare Services : A Survey of Child Welfare League of Canada Member Agencies.
Author(s): Anderson, Madeleine.;Gobeil, Shalan.
Published: 2003
Available from: Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare
http://www.cecw-cepb.ca/about_e.html
University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work
246 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A1
Printable version (PDF): http://www.cwlc.ca/files/file/pubs/Recruitment%20in%20CW.pdf
Abstract: This report discusses current difficulties in child welfare staff recruitment and retention, and findings from a survey of 16 child welfare agencies across Canada. The report begins by providing background information on the work environment, working conditions, and salaries of child welfare workers, and then shares survey findings in these areas. Findings indicate recruiting and retaining workers has become more difficult over the past 10 years. Although the overall vacancy rate is fairly low at 5%, there is a clear trend toward high turnover rates within the first two years of employment, after which it remains fairly stable. All agencies surveyed are actively addressing current and predicted staff shortages as well as a growing dissatisfaction among child welfare workers by implementing some level of recruitment and retention strategies. Overall, improving salaries and benefits did not appear to be particularly successful, whereas strategies that addressed working environment and working conditions seemed to be the most effective in recruiting and retaining workers. Survey results concur with current literature in identifying the most effective retention and recruitment strategies as being ones that encourage job flexibility and mobility as well as training and career advancement opportunities in a supportive environment where the work accomplished is both recognized and validated. Recommendations are made for identifying successful recruitment and retention strategies, and for their implementation. 25 references.

Title: Training for managers and supervisors to enhance their capability to understand and implement ASFA : evaluation report for the project period October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003 / Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service.
Published: 2003
Available from: Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov
Children's Bureau/ACYF
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW
Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Document available online at: http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/asfa/report_yearthree.htm
Abstract: his report presents the evaluation findings for the third full year of this project?s operations. This evaluation has three components: (1) an evaluation of process, or the extent to which the work of the project has proceeded as expressed in the work plan; (2) an evaluation of outcomes, or the extent to which anticipated milestone events and results and products have emerged as the consequence of the work of project staff and their leaders and various collaborators and (3) the lessons learned during the project. (Author abstract)

Title: A Competency Model for Adolescent Caseworkers : Partnering with Youth as They Transition to Independence.
Author(s): Bernotavicz, Freda.;Jordan, Penelope A.;Zanghi, Marty.;Jacobus, Michelle.
Published: 2001
Available from: Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, Catherine E. Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/research/cutler/
University of Southern Maine
PO Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300
Printable version (PDF): http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/rcpdfs/Adol.Caseworke.pdf
Abstract: The approach to competency-based training represented by this model is based on a holistic view of the competencies needed for effective performance on the job which includes the specific job tasks, the individual performing the job, and the organizational context. As we move towards these new organizational structures the concept of people performing specific tasks in isolation becomes less relevant. The concept of "contextual performance" recognizes that effective organizations need people who commit significant time and effort to extra-job activities such as volunteering on committees, mentoring new employees and supporting the organization's goals. (Author abstract, modified)

Visit Update Subscription to unsubscribe or change your topical selections.

A Service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

For more information contact: