Report: Promoting Resiliency in Child Welfare Workers through Reflective Practice

This report summarizes the findings of a project in which we developed a model of Reflective Consultation + Training (RC+T) developed specifically to support and build skills in reflection for child welfare workers.  We piloted the model for about 1.5 years and evaluated its impact on the participants (workers and supervisors) in one county agency unit. 

Main findings included:

1. The model was feasible for child welfare workers and supervisors to participate in, and participants were satisfied with the format.
2. Participants found the model valuable as it provided support and the opportunity to reflect and connect with co-workers.
3. The model increased their relational support at work, which was helpful in managing stress, navigating crises, and promoting wellbeing.  However, stress levels remained high and some still found the work unsustainable.
4. The model impacted work by increasing skills in perspective taking, self-regulation, and relationship building.
5. Reflective consultation sessions were a safe place to discuss issues of power, privilege, and race. 

These results indicate that providing reflective consultation and training for child welfare workers may be beneficial for their wellbeing and effective work.