The relationship between organizational characteristics and workforce turnover among rural, urban, and suburban public child welfare systems

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. doi: 10.1300/J147v32n01_06 KEYWORDS. Child welfare, organizational change, workforce retention, locality