Stakeholders' Perspectives on Child Welfare and Court: Identifying Challenges and Implications to Move Social Work Practice Forward

Collaboration between the child welfare and court systems is critical. Using qualitative data, experiences of stakeholders were examined to identify areas where growth is needed. Stakeholders included: Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) child welfare workers (n = 28); LDSS supervisors (n = 32); LDSS directors and assistant directors (n = 13); judges and magistrates (n = 11); and attorneys (n = 16). Three main themes were identified: barriers to meeting mandated timeframes, a dependence on court orders, and the need for training and consultations. Findings suggest previously recommended improvement efforts have not been implemented successfully. Important implications for practice, specifically as it relates to achieving permanency, are provided.