Queensland child protection parent perspectives study

Assessment of client satisfaction has become a standard performance measure for a range of government services, seen as essential to continuous quality improvement. However, many child protection clients do not choose to be involved with statutory authorities, and feel powerless to influence decisions made about their family. There have been significant advancements in the conceptualisation of research designed to measure parent satisfaction with child protection services. Research shows that the process of being asked about their own opinions may change a client's perceptions about workers and services; may help to reduce power asymmetry that exists between workers and child welfare clients; and may assist to provide client-centred and family-focused casework. Parental input can be helpful in assessing program efficacy, designing service delivery improvement strategies, and enhancing professional practice, which in turn may increase parental engagement. This project will conduct a self-administered, quantitative survey of parents involved in the Queensland child protection system.

Project Leaders

Professor Clare Tilbury (Griffith University); Ms Meegan Crawford (Griffith University)

Industry Partners

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services; Family Inclusion Network; Qld Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Ltd

Project Value

$52,700

Type of Funding

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services Grant

Dates

2015-2016

Theme/s

Justice, Law and Society