High Impact Practices in Graduate Education: Preparing Social Work Students for Careers in Child Welfare

Abstract

ABSTRACT Turnover rates of the child welfare workforce continue to rise, resulting in poor outcomes for children and families. Efforts to improve readiness and retention are needed to better prepare child welfare workers. This case study uses a qualitative analysis research method to explore high impact practice (HIP) focusing on a training program that seeks to prepare students for and effectively transition to a career in child welfare. HIPs are defined as formal program components or experiences for students. HIP characteristics go further and define what is occurring in the high impact practice that makes a difference in student success. The study focuses on practices used in a master's in social work (MSW) graduate program with a specialty in child welfare.