Perceived Needs of Therapeutic Service Providers in Their Work with Families in the Child Welfare System

Abstract

Each year approximately half a million children are identified as victims of abuse or neglect in the United States. Referrals to therapeutic service providers are a primary means to help alleviate risks leading to child maltreatment and promote child and family well-being, yet it is not clear how well therapeutic service providers are prepared to meet the specialized needs of a child welfare client population and/or navigate the contextual characteristics of child welfare practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the gaps in knowledge and skill among therapeutic service providers working in this specific service setting. Five focus groups were conducted with 40 current therapeutic service providers working with clients involved with state child protective services. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis methods. Fifteen themes emerged and were organized into three primary categories of needed knowledge and skill development: (1) cross-system, (2) therapeutic, and (3) functional. Implications for training and practice are discussed, as well as directions for future research.