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Abstract: 

Untreated or ineffectively treated behavioral and emotional problems for youth in foster care present a significant challenge for youth and their foster families, as well as within in the child welfare system in general, where they result in increased rates of placement disruptions and time to permanency. Child welfare (CW) workers are key brokers connecting youth with services. This paper describes the Project Focus model of CW worker training and consultative support and examines model feasibility and acceptability. CW worker training and consultation include support to CW workers in 1) identifying the mental health needs of youth on their caseload; 2) linking youth to evidence-based services; and 3) effectively solving barriers to treatment. Twenty-five CW workers from two offices participated in the pilot project. CW worker participation records and thematic coding of exit interviews were used to assess results. Overall, CW workers reported that Project Focus is feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory.

Keywords: child welfare; social worker training; evidence-based practices; mental

Affiliations:  1: University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; 2: University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; 3: University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; 4: Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress.