Workforce

Workforce

Maintaining a high-performing, engaged, and committed workforce is vital to providing families with the quality supports they need to stabilize, reunify, and thrive. Research and practice wisdom suggest that positive child welfare outcomes depend largely on the capacity and competence of the child welfare workforce. However, the recruitment, hiring, and retention of dedicated staff remain persistent challenges for child protection agencies across the country.  

To address workforce-related challenges, jurisdictions are implementing a range of innovative approaches, including workforce analysis and data-driven capacity planning, adopting a safety culture, investing in supervision and staff recognition, and building comprehensive training and workforce development systems to strengthen staff competencies and skills. 

FEATURED RESOURCES

Portrait of a group of young children standing in a line in the hallway of a school

How does turnover in the child welfare workforce impact children and families?

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Portrait of a group of young children standing in a line in the hallway of a school

How are child protection agencies navigating and addressing workforce challenges?

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Mom's-hugs-are-the-best

How does New Jersey maintain a stable child welfare workforce?

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Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the field to learn more about the workforce.