The impact of the Solution Based Casework (SBC) practice model on federal outcomes in public child welfare

Abstract

Objective: To test the effects of the Solution-Based Casework practice model on federal outcomes of safety, permanency and well-being. The Solution-Based Casework model combines family development theory, solution-focused skills and relapse prevention for the casework process in child protection.

Method: 4,559 public child welfare cases were reviewed through a CQI case review process.

Results: This study found that cases with high levels of fidelity to the model demonstrated significantly better outcomes in the areas of child safety, permanency and well-being and exceeded federal standards, while cases with low fidelity to the model failed to meet federal standards.

Conclusion: Components of the Solution-Based Casework were significant predictors of these federal outcomes and accounted for variance in these outcomes better than any other casework process factors.