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Workload/Caseload

Studies frequently point to caseloads and workloads as a key factor in worker turnover and workforce retention. Workers need to be able to spend time with the children and families on their caseloads in order to accurately assess risk; identify needs, strengths, and resources; develop an appropriate case plan; and work with the family to achieve it. Determining the right number and types of cases, assigning cases appropriately to staff, reviewing and adjusting the types of tasks assigned to workers in addition to their direct work with families-all are ingredients for ensuring a manageable caseload and workload for staff. The following resources discuss the role of caseload and workload in workforce retention.

• National workload/caseload studies and reports
• State and local examples
• Child welfare workload compendium

	Report From the 2004 Child Welfare Workforce Survey: State Agency Findings (PDF - 891 KB) American Public Human Services Association (2005) Contains information from 42 States about staff compensation, education and licensing, training and career development, caseloads, and turnover.

Building the Child Welfare Team: Results of the 2002 Adoption and Safe Families Act Phone Poll (PDF - 342 KB)
Institute for Child and Family Policy, Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine (2002)
Compares findings from a 2002 study about the impact of the Adoption and Safe Families Act on practice, for which officials from 41 child welfare agencies and 3 court improvement projects were interviewed, with the results of a similar survey conducted in 2001.

Child Welfare: HHS Could Play a Greater Role in Helping Child Welfare Agencies Recruit and Retain Staff: Report to Congressional Requesters
U.S. General Accounting Office (2003)
Presents findings from GAO interviews with caseworkers in four States. High caseloads and related administrative burdens; a lack of supervisory support; and insufficient time to take training were cited as issues impacting both caseworkers' ability to work effectively and their decision to stay in the child welfare profession.

Factors Influencing Retention of Child Welfare Staff: A Systematic Review of Research (PDF - 963 KB)
Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (2005)
Reviews research and outcomes studies related to recruitment and retention in child welfare and determines effective recruitment and retention strategies that child welfare agencies can implement to address workforce issues.

Job Turnover in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice: The Voices of Former Frontline Workers (PDF - 602 KB)
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (2006)
Reports on 300 interviews with former frontline workers in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems that examined factors motivating human service workers to leave their jobs. Recommendations for improving the workplace for child welfare and juvenile justice workers are discussed.

Promising Approaches to Recruiting and Retaining Quality Child Welfare Workers [Plenary Session Panel]
Child Welfare Workforce Development and Workplace Enhancement Institute: Knowledge Development and Application
Robinson, Light, Day, Steib, Woodside, & Zlotnik (2005)
Identifies some of the factors contributing to the successful recruitment and retention of a quality child welfare workforce. View multimedia presentation and materials for each speaker.

The Impact of Training on Worker Performance and Retention: Perceptions of Child Welfare Supervisors
Kleinpeter, Pasztor, Mayers, & Telles-Rogers
Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 6, 2004
View Abstract
Examines the impact of training on the competency of child welfare workers and their plans to remain in the field. Findings demonstrate the necessity of complying with national standards for caseload size and providing management training for supervisors.

Advocasey Examines the Staffing Crisis in Children and Family Services (PDF - 1330 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Advocasey, Spring 2004
Explores the workforce crisis plaguing children and family services. This issue highlights the need for renewed focus on frontline workers serving needy kids and families, and an up-close look is taken at this challenge in Greenville, South Carolina.

Workforce and Accountability: Child and Family Services Reviews-Implications for Child Welfare Practice: Report From the August 3, 2004 Symposium (PDF - 65 KB)
National Association of Social Workers (2004)
Provides an overview of the presentations, discussion, and recommendations from a symposium convened by the Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research in collaboration with the National Association of Social Workers to address recent research on child welfare service delivery. Presentations include a review of recent relevant Government Accountability Office reports, analyses of the Child and Family Service Review findings, a perspective on technical assistance planning from the Children's Bureau, and strategies for best practices.

Updated on March 1, 2010