Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Heidemann-Whitt, Gretchen

Abstract

This research project focuses on child welfare social workers’ mental health and what mental health services they can benefit from having. For this study, the six participants were recruited from the Southern California area. They all currently work in the child welfare field. The data for this qualitative study was collected through interviews. All interviews were completed telephonically and then transcribed for data analysis. The study findings found the lack of management support in child welfare agencies and a lack of self-care practice have a negative effect on social workers’ mental health and their service delivery. The findings revealed that social workers in child welfare practice have a need for mental health services such as individual therapy and mindfulness activities to help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and depression. The study findings have the potential to increase the availability of mental health services to child welfare social workers.

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