Research Article Child Welfare Worker Perception of the Implementation of Family-Centered Practice

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of Family-Centered Practice (FCP) among child welfare work-ers who are expected to use FCP principles in their work with children and families. Method: Nine focus groups were con-ducted among child welfare workers across seven different regions within one state to assess caseworker’s experiences with FCP. Results: Themes related to time, resources and opportunities, work climate, and engagement emerged from the analysis in relation to the implementation of FCP. Conclusions: Implications of the implementation of the FCP framework for social work policy and practice are discussed. Keywords family-centered practice, child welfare, worker perceptions Family-Centered Practice (FCP) is a general framework that prioritizes family strengths, perspectives, and input to guide successful change and treatment (Allen & Petr, 1998; Craft-Rosenberg, Kelley, & Schnoll, 2006). Madsen (2006) notes that the FCP framework can be especially informative in direct practice with families who may not benefit from traditiona