Case Manager Perceptions of the Effects of Caseload Level Reduction in a Child Welfare Agency

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effects of caseload level reduction in a child welfare agency that provides in-home supervision and out-of-home care in the United States. Focus groups were conducted to collect the perceptions of case managers employed by the agency, which reduced caseloads from the 40s to the 20s. Transcript passages revealed that the perceptions were overwhelmingly positive, with the case managers describing positive impacts for job satisfaction, retention, foster child well-being, permanency, and safety. The case managers also described the mechanisms by which caseload level reduction exerted its effects. Specifically, the reduction allowed for additional/extended home visits to assess for safety and additional time spent with three groups (foster children, parents, and the case manager’s own family). Additional time with foster children resulted in both job satisfaction and child wellbeing, while additional time with parents resulted in parent success and child permanency, which further strengthened job satisfaction and employee retention. Lastly, the additional time the case managers were able to spend with their own families reinforced their decision to remain in the position.