Is the Client-Worker Relationship Associated with Better Outcomes in Mandated Child Abuse Cases?

Objective: The purpose of this research was to (a) find if there were associations between child welfare outcomes and the client-worker relationship and (b) learn what are the predictors of a positive client-worker relationship. Method: 100 (55 Family Maintenance FM and 45 Family Preservation FP) clients were interviewed in English and Spanish. Pearson’s r, t tests, chi-squares, and a regression analysis were conducted. Results: A majority of the participants were Latino single mothers. Higher scores on the Relationship with Worker Instrument were correlated with better outcomes in discipline and emotional care of children (p < .01). FP clients were more satisfied with their workers than routine FM participants (p < .01). Ability to openly communicate (p < .001), frequency of visits (p < .05), and receipt of public assistance (p < .05) were found to be predictors of good client-worker relationships. Conclusions: This assessment indicates that client-worker relationships and open communication matter.