ABOUT CHILDREN'S

Practice Model Development

The DSHS Children's Administration has recently undertaken reforms to lay a strong foundation for sustainable change in the state's child welfare system.

A major part of that reform is developing a comprehensive social work practice model so that the work we do to keep children safe and help families rebuild their lives is consistent across the state and based on the most recent research into effective practice.

The new practice model will provide the tools and ongoing skill-building necessary for social workers to effectively engage and work with families so they can be successful.

A practice model defines the theory, skills, and expectations for how we deliver services and make decisions. The practice model is the overarching framework to bring the pieces together with CA's other priorities.

Problem

Good work in reform has been accomplished in the past, but those efforts primarily have responded to specific problems identified through reviews rather than through a comprehensive look at our practice. This led to changes that we have been unable to sustain.

Social work practice and family service options are inconsistent and inequitable across the state. Our families should be able to experience common approaches and a system that builds upon earlier work to the greatest extent possible.

Approach

Improving how Child Protective Services workers investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect and how we get families support and services is a significant undertaking. It involves input from CA staff, other DSHS administrations, government agencies and Tribes, child advocates, community organizations, and contracted service providers.

A practice model team, and the work groups it commissions, is conducting a series of conversations and focus groups with staff and stakeholders, researching other states' practices, and examining evidenced-based programs to identify the best skills, tools, and resources available.

Their proposals will be developed, tested, and reviewed with staff, the management team, and a steering committee (that includes external partners) prior to implementation.

Co-Directors

Tammy Cordova and Christine Robinson
practicemodel@dshs.wa.gov