Child welfare in non-metro and rural communities: Experiences of child-serving professionals addressing substance use

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges and strengths that child welfare professionals experience in non-metro areas, with a secondary focus on how they encounter and respond to substance use in families and communities. We conducted three focus groups in non-metro counties (n = 35). We used thematic analysis supported by Dedoose, beginning with line by line coding, then thematic identification and mapping. Emergent themes focused on challenges and strengths experienced in non-metro communities, including (Community context)—unique community attributes; the call for treatment; (Challenges)—uphill battles; reporting; access to appropriate care; funding; interacting with state systems; and (Strength)—finding strengths and creative solutions. Child welfare professionals in non-metro communities embody and respond to both challenges and strengths. They feel frustrated by standards that do not take available resources into account, yet they effectively leverage social capital to complete their work. Giving voice to child welfare professionals can enhance policy making and create more sustainable systems for child welfare practice in non-metro settings.