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Children served by the child welfare system count among society's most vulnerable members given their history of abuse, neglect, and other potentially traumatic experiences. Once they enter the system, however, these children seldom receive empirically validated interventions to mitigate the effects of trauma. This article highlights the promise of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment (EBT) for trauma-exposed children in the child welfare system. Barriers to implementing PCIT and other EBTs in child welfare are discussed along with ways that community-university partnerships can help to navigate these barriers. Preliminary supporting evidence from a community-university partnership in Wisconsin is presented, followed by a set of recommendations for future work aimed at translating science into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This qualitative study examines variability in practices surrounding Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations regarding the allegations of child maltreatment. Working under the auspices of a community-research collaboration with Department of Human Services officials, university researchers conducted a series of focus groups with CPS caseworkers in a state that was under court-ordered consent decree to improve child welfare investigations. Focus groups with caseworkers sought to better understand caseworkers'' common investigative practices and their perceptions of best practices in conducting child welfare investigations. Two main areas were noted for improvement: (1) the need for ongoing training of CPS workers, particularly at the stage of initial intake of the allegations of maltreatment, and cross-training of police and hospital staff who regularly work with CPS, and (2) implementation of an improved risk assessment tool. These recommendations are discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study addresses public child welfare workers'' perceived value of no-charge Masters level social work education courses as part of a project aiming at increasing professional identity and retention in public child welfare work. Over a 3.5year time period, a total of 164 respondents completed 338 questionnaires that addressed their attitudes related to the value of their coursework. Descriptive statistics indicated that 90% were either pursuing or intended to pursue a degree in social work. Logistic regression showed that plans to remain in the child welfare field were most related to an understanding of workplace issues, and secondarily to the number of courses taken. Demographic factors were not statistically significant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Given the resources expended in promoting social work education and specialized training in child welfare as a means to increase the knowledge and competency of public child welfare (PCW) workers, research in this area is important to evaluate the outcomes of such efforts. The current study adds to the literature in this area by examining the performance of newly-hired PCW workers on objective tests of child welfare-related knowledge. Workers with Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees were compared to those with other degrees to examine whether there were differences in performance by social work education on an overall test of knowledge and two tests assessing for specific knowledge areas. The study also examined whether participation in Title IV-E stipend-based programs was a factor in test performance among only those workers who had MSW degrees. The findings supported the hypothesis that workers with MSW degrees would score higher on all measures when compared to those with other degrees. The results also supported the hypothesis that workers with MSW degrees who participated in Title IV-E programs would score higher than those with MSW degrees who did not participate in such programs. Implications for the PCW field and future research in this area are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When used appropriately, congregate care placements can provide children in foster care with the structure and treatment services they need. However, children are often placed in congregate care when their needs can be met in family settings, a practice that contradicts the child welfare mandate to place children in the least restrictive environment possible. In 2000, a class action lawsuit filed against the State of Tennessee highlighted that the state routinely placed children in congregate care settings contrary to their best interests. Since then, the state''s Department of Children''s Services (DCS) has been extremely successful in reducing its use of congregate care. This paper presents major findings from a qualitative research study that explored how DCS accomplished this critical system change. Fifty-one Tennessee child welfare stakeholders were interviewed using an open ended protocol. DCS administrative data, performance monitoring data, and official policy documents were also analyzed to provide context for the interviewees'' comments. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed three main change agents that helped set the stage for deinstitutionalization, as well as three types of systemwide reforms that were undertaken to ensure a successful reduction in congregate care use. Implications for jurisdictions embarking on similar reforms are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Understanding the implementation of Wraparound in child welfare is essential to its continued use in the field. The purpose of this study was to understand the implementation of Wraparound in regard to organizational and systems-related factors and contexts. Wraparound was implemented and evaluated in five counties as part of California''s Title IV-E Child Welfare Waiver Demonstration Project, from 1999 to 2004. The three areas of inquiry include the models of Wraparound used, important aspects of the implementation efforts, and the interaction between the principles and values of Wraparound and those of the child welfare system. A multiple case study design provided the structure for data collection and analysis. Focus groups with a convenience sample of administrators and direct-service staff from the public agencies and private community-based agencies implementing Wraparound were conducted annually. While the Wraparound models were similar in configuration there were also unique characteristics that developed in response to local conditions. Issues and solutions emerged regarding referrals and case closures, staffing and training, management information systems, funding, and contextual factors. The values and principles of the child welfare departments, group home providers, and families interacted with the values and principles of Wraparound. The results highlight the importance of organization and systems-level characteristics. Building on the solutions developed in California will help to ensure the sustainability of Wraparound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]