Policy on the ground: caseworker perspectives on implementing alternative response

ABSTRACT

There has been little focus on decision making in child protective services, particular as it relates to the implementation of alternative response (AR). Focus groups were held in urban, suburban, and rural counties where participants explored how organizational culture influenced decisions made for families when implementing a new statewide policy. The results suggest that decisions are not family focused but are mandate driven. Further, there was a lack of support at both the supervisory and administrative levels which resulted in moral distress and apathy. Suggestions for taking an organizational change approach that gives voice to the caseworker are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• Policy implementation
• alternative response
• organizational culture
• decision making

Notes

1. Non-serious is defined as those allegations not involving serious physical (i.e., broken bones, lashing, burns, etc.) abuse or sexual abuse.

2. Because this state’s child welfare system is state supervised but county administered, each county has its own director of social services.

3. This is specific to cases with a physical abuse allegation. Caseworkers have up to 5 days for neglect allegations (State Policy Directive, SSA 15–19, 2015).