Service users’ perspectives of child welfare services: a systematic review using the practice model as a guide

ABSTRACT

This systematic review examined qualitative literature that captured child welfare service users’ experience with child welfare services with a focus on their worker. From 45 studies, 621 helpful and 323 unhelpful aspects were identified. The most frequent helpful aspects included clear communication, instrumental and emotional support, and responsiveness. The most frequent unhelpful aspects included inadequate services, low involvement, and behaviors that undermined confidence. These aspects were organized into common practice model elements: Family Engagement, Teaming, Assessment, Service Planning, Intervention, and Tracking/Adjusting. Approximately 70% of all comments fit within engagement. These findings shed light on concrete behaviors that might more clearly guide service provision efforts and help inform future research on child welfare hiring, training, and supervision.

KEYWORDS:

• Child welfare
• service users
• systematic review
• service providers

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brad Lundahl

Brad Lundahl is an Associate Professor and Psychologist in the College of Social Work.

Chad McDonald

Chad McDonald is a doctoral student and manages the Title IV-E Training/Education Grant for the College of Social Work.

Mindy Vanderloo

Mindy Vanderloo is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor working with children and adolescents.