Analyzing the Educational Backgrounds and Work Experiences of Child Welfare Personnel: A National Study

This article details the conceptualization, methodology, and results of a study assessing the relationship of the profession to the field of public child welfare. The educational backgrounds of more than 5,000 child welfare personnel are analyzed and compared with data collected a decade ago to determine whether the educational backgrounds of caseworkers and supervisors has changed. The authors also examine the relationship of educational level and type to preparedness for practice. Implications for recruitment, retention, education, training, and practice are discussed.