Work

Scoping Review of Worker Characteristics and Competencies That Support Youth Engagement in Child Welfare Case Planning

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Youth engagement in case planning has garnered attention in recent years from scholars and practitioners alike due to its documented benefits for service recipients and providers. The authors conducted a scoping review to understand what is known about the competencies and characteristics that support child welfare workers to engage with youth. The 125 included articles revealed nine competencies for child welfare workers (partnering with youth, communication and listening skills, building trusting relationships, strength-based approach, prepare and inform youth, advocate for youth, knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility) and three characteristics (committed, flexibility, and self-awareness) that support successful youth engagement. The findings may be used to develop targeted competency-based recruitment, hiring, and training materials for child welfare workers and to inform new policy development.

Source: Families in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services

DOI: 10.1177/10443894251321346

Authors: Sierra Wollenhall, Alanna Feltner, Lori Vanderwill, John Fowler, Angelique Day

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Social Work Education and Practice

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: U.S. Children's Bureau