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Family reunification in child welfare practice: A pilot study of parent and staff experiences

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  • Chambers, Ruth M.
  • Crutchfield, Rashida M.
  • Goddu Harper, Stephanie G.
  • Fatemi, Maryam
  • Rodriguez, Angel Y.

Abstract

Current knowledge about the types of child welfare interventions that best promote family reunification has increased over the years. However, evidence remains fairly limited regarding the process of implementing these programs and the experiences of families participating in these services. This study addresses these gaps by examining how a child welfare agency implemented an innovative pilot initiative designed to promote timely family reunification. This research study explored a program that included three core components: Family to Family program model, reduced worker caseloads, and caseworker continuity. The study aimed to answer three research questions: (1) how was the program envisioned, created and implemented, (2) what were staff members' experiences implementing the program, and (3) what were parents' experiences receiving services from this program? Findings indicated that the implementation of pilot program was consistent with the original program design. Both staff and parents perceived the program to be valuable and effective. Participants highlighted how the program's unique structure helped families reunify, especially by fostering trusting relationships between caseworkers and parents, and close collaboration between the child welfare agency and the local community. Results from the study offer recommendations regarding alternative approaches to achieving family reunification or permanency for children. Implications for child welfare practice, policy and research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Chambers, Ruth M. & Crutchfield, Rashida M. & Goddu Harper, Stephanie G. & Fatemi, Maryam & Rodriguez, Angel Y., 2018. "Family reunification in child welfare practice: A pilot study of parent and staff experiences," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 221-231.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:91:y:2018:i:c:p:221-231
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.06.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bearman, Sarah Kate & Garland, Ann F. & Schoenwald, Sonja K., 2014. "From practice to evidence in child welfare: Model specification and fidelity measurement of Team Decisionmaking," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 153-159.
    2. Crea, Thomas M. & Crampton, David S., 2011. "The context of program implementation and evaluation: A pilot study of interorganizational differences to improve child welfare reform efforts," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(11), pages 2273-2281.
    3. Schreiber, Jill C. & Fuller, Tamara & Paceley, Megan S., 2013. "Engagement in child protective services: Parent perceptions of worker skills," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 707-715.
    4. Pine, Barbara A. & Spath, Robin & Werrbach, Gail B. & Jenson, Cary E. & Kerman, Benjamin, 2009. "A better path to permanency for children in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(10), pages 1135-1143, October.
    5. Crea, Thomas M. & Crampton, David S. & Abramson-Madden, Anne & Usher, Charles L., 2008. "Variability in the implementation of Team Decisionmaking (TDM): Scope and compliance with the Family to Family practice model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 1221-1232, November.
    6. Fraser, Mark W. & Walton, Elaine & Lewis, Robert E. & Pecora, Peter J. & Walton, Wendel K., 1996. "An experiment in family reunification: Correlates of outcomes at one-year follow-up," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(4-5), pages 335-361.
    7. Chambers, Ruth M. & Brocato, Jo & Fatemi, Maryam & Rodriguez, Angel Y., 2016. "An innovative child welfare pilot initiative: Results and outcomes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 143-151.
    8. Williamson, Erin & Gray, Aracelis, 2011. "New roles for families in child welfare: Strategies for expanding family involvement beyond the case level," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1212-1216, July.
    9. Ryan, Joseph P. & Garnier, Philip & Zyphur, Michael & Zhai, Fuhua, 2006. "Investigating the effects of caseworker characteristics in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(9), pages 993-1006, September.
    10. Crea, Thomas M. & Usher, Charles L. & Wildfire, Judith B., 2009. "Implementation fidelity of Team Decisionmaking," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 119-124, January.
    11. Blome, Wendy Whiting & Steib, Sue D., 2014. "The organizational structure of child welfare: Staff are working hard, but it is hardly working," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 181-188.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sorek, Yoa & Szabo-Lael, Rachel & Almog-Zaken, Aya, 2024. "“Welfare used to mean darkness – Now it’s beaming with light”: Professionals and parents’ perceptions of a family preservation program in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    2. Bai, Rong & Collins, Cyleste & Fischer, Robert & Crampton, David, 2023. "Facilitators and barriers to reunification among housing unstable families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    3. Dare, Julie & Wilkinson, Celia & Karthigesu, Shantha P. & Coall, David A. & Marquis, Ruth, 2023. "Keeping the family: A socio-ecological perspective on the challenges of child removal and reunification for mothers who have experienced substance-related harms," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    4. Bai, Rong & Collins, Cyleste & Fischer, Robert & Crampton, David, 2020. "Family critical time intervention with housing unstable, child welfare-involved families: Service providers’ and families’ experiences with the phases," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    5. Sara Pérez-Hernando & Nuria Fuentes-Peláez, 2020. "The Potential of Networks for Families in the Child Protection System: A Systematic Review," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-16, May.

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