A Deeper Look at Burnout in the Child Welfare Workforce

Publication Date

6-21-2017

Document Type

Article

Organizational Units

Graduate School of Social Work, Butler Institute for Families

Keywords

Agency culture and climate, Burnout, Child welfare, Retention, Workforce

Abstract

Child welfare workers experience high levels of burnout, contributing to poor job performance and turnover. Using a sample of 2,302 child welfare case workers and supervisors from three states, this study (1) validates the use of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory with child welfare workers and (2) examines sources and consequences of burnout in that population. Compared to client-related burnout, staff experienced higher levels of burnout related to agency-level factors. Work-related burnout was also more strongly associated with job stress, job dissatisfaction, and intent to leave than was client-related burnout. Suggestions are offered to help improve staff retention and reduce burnout.

Publication Statement

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