Transferring MSW Education to Practice: A Qualitative Study With Public Child Welfare Employees |
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Authors: | Ericka Deglau Anasuya Ray Richard L. Edwards Nancy Carre-Lee Talisah Harrison Katelyn Cunningham |
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Affiliation: | 1. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA;2. State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Trenton, NJ, USA |
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Abstract: | This study used a qualitative analysis of survey data collected from public child welfare employees (n = 168) as they completed master's of social work courses in a weekend/hybrid program, to examine their perceptions of ability to apply classroom learning to practice. The program, which combined a focus on direct practice and management, was developed in partnership with the state's public child welfare agency, during a period of systemic change and case practice reform. Findings indicate that students readily transferred knowledge and skills to the workplace, albeit with some challenges. In particular, management courses appeared to provide an important framework in understanding the organizational context of practice. |
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Keywords: | child welfare professionalization workforce development public child welfare/university partnerships organizational context management courses child welfare reform |
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