EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS IN CHILD WELFARE: MAPPING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CHILD WELFARE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Abstract

This article presents the results of focus groups conducted with participants following the completion of a Child Welfare Practice Certificate Program. Concept mapping was used as the guiding research method for the data collection and analysis. Social work students and child welfare workers generated statements during the focus group session that were then sorted into conceptual piles. Participants then rated the statements as to their importance and practicality and their interest in learning about them. Results revealed that the concept Reporting, Assessment, and Case Planning in the Real World was rated highest in all three categories. Recommendations are provided regarding infusing a child welfare curriculum into social work programs, and the authors discuss how concept mapping can be used in evaluation research.