Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Johnathan Feinn
Committee Member
Maryellen Maher
Keywords
child abuse, child discipline, child neglect, child safety, Child Welfare Specialists, clients, competencies, content mastery, court and permanency services, court testimony, development, family environment, family problems, hands-on training, health, high-risk caregivers, home environments, home-management skills, job satisfaction, knowledge, nutrition, parent child relationships, parenting instruction, parents, permanency services, psychologically vulnerable families, role-playing, skill development, trainees, training programs, weekly training
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to provide Child Welfare Specialists (CWS) with hands-on, home-management skills that were necessary in providing comprehensive services to the Court and Permanency Services (CAPS) clients. The CWS lacked the skills to provide clients with the necessary tools to be successful parents. The CAPS clients previously received parenting instruction that was limited to child discipline and guidance, child safety, development, and nutrition and health. The parenting instruction did not include the how to or demonstration of home-management skills needed for the high-risk caregivers to provide their children with safe and nurturing home environments.
The writer developed and facilitated a hands-on, weekly training for 4 CWS for the purpose of developing competencies in working with psychologically vulnerable families. The primary instruction included child safety role-playing, case management, and court testimony.
An analysis of data revealed that the 4 trainees, upon completion of the training, demonstrated 100% mastery of content related to the implementation of hands-on training with clients. The trainees reported an enhanced knowledge and skill base, job satisfaction, and competency.