Showing appreciation during Workforce Development Month and beyond: A guide for child welfare organizations
Ensuring the safety and well-being of families involved with the child welfare system is a tough job. It requires a strong, supported network of professionals—case managers, supervisors, tribal child welfare professionals, and public agency administrators, to name a few. Unfortunately, burnout and lack of growth opportunities are causing high turnover in the child welfare workforce. But there’s hope for change, and at the Center for Workforce Equity and Leadership (CWEL), we’re turning our hope into action.
September is Workforce Development Month, and we’re highlighting ways to support, develop, and invest in the individuals who work alongside children and families. Their dedication deserves recognition year-round, but this month is a great time to take action to uplift the workforce. Here are some steps agencies and organizations can take:
Recognize your teammates the way they want to be recognized
Child welfare professionals work hard, often in tough conditions. Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to solving the myriad issues facing this workforce, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to show appreciation for their work. Some people appreciate public recognition, while others prefer a personal note. By listening to and acknowledging colleagues in ways that matter to them, organizations can boost morale and highlight the importance of each person’s contributions.
Invest in professional growth
Providing scholarships or stipends for continuing education, certifications, and conferences equips child welfare professionals to handle complex cases better, make more informed decisions, and offer higher-quality care to children and families. These opportunities also show staff the organization is committed to their long-term success, cutting down on turnover and making the organization more attractive to potential employees.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, community, and trust
At CWEL, we understand that child welfare work can be high-stress. We also know that we’re in this together, for better or worse. In the child welfare space, strained work relationships can affect outside partners and families being served. A sense of camaraderie can’t be understated in this area of work. Creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued is essential. Involving employees in decision-making, creating opportunities to share ideas and feedback, and organizing team-building activities can strengthen relationships and improve motivation.
Celebrating Workforce Development Month should be more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic move that can significantly impact the effectiveness of a child welfare organization. By recognizing hard work, investing in professional development, and fostering an inclusive, trusting environment, child welfare organizations can make sure their staff are motivated, engaged, and supported in their vital roles.
