Date of Conferral

7-1-2025

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Dr. Tracy Jackson

Abstract

Child welfare workers have high turnover rates and low retention rates. While there is well-documented research on reasons for turnover, no research was found on how a case manager's practicum experience impacts turnover rates. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore child welfare case managers' perspectives on retention and to understand how their practicum and internship experiences influence retention. The theories that ground this research include systems theory by Bertalanffy and social constructivism by Vygotsky. The two research questions for this generic qualitative study were: What are the experiences of child welfare case managers during their internship and practicum? How have these experiences influenced retention within the child welfare agency? Data were collected through 10 semistructured interviews with former Georgia DFCS case managers using open ended questions. Triangulation was used and data were analyzed through thematic analysis to formulate six themes: (a) assessment, (b) social environment, (c) professional skills, (d) education, (e) work environment, and (f) personal reasons. The findings included that practicum experiences prepared participants for employment as evidenced by their professional development, yet participants indicated that these experiences did not influence retention. This study contributes to positive social change by addressing the social determinants of health, particularly in the areas of employment and higher education for human services professionals. It also has important implications for curriculum writers and educators, emphasizing the value of well-structured practicum experiences for well-educated, properly trained, and adequately prepared workers in the human services field.

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