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Research on Social Work Practice
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A Study of Engagement in Neighborhood-Based Child Welfare Services

Julie Cooper Altman

Adelphi University, altman{at}adelphi.edu

This article reports the results of a mixed-method study that examined processes and outcomes of parent-worker engagement in child welfare. Knowledge gained from a qualitative exploration of engagement at one neighborhood-based child welfare agency informed the gathering of quantitative data from 74 different parent-worker dyads in this sequential exploratory design. Seven themes instrumental to engagement emerged: (a) clear, collaborative goal setting; (b) hope-fulness; (c) parent acknowledgment of their situations; (d) motivation; (e) respect for cultural differences; (f) honest and straightforward communication; and (g) persistent and timely efforts by all. Quantitative analyses yielded little relationship between engagement and either visitation rate or case disposition by 9 months post placement. Although these data provide support for the clinical benefits of working to improve parent-worker engagement in child welfare services, they fail to provide evidence of a relationship between engagement and improved case outcomes.

Key Words: client engagement • child welfare service delivery • working alliance

This version was published on November 1, 2008

Research on Social Work Practice, Vol. 18, No. 6, 555-564 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049731507309825
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