Learning from the Field: Development of a Statewide Public Child Welfare Workforce Mentoring Program

ABSTRACT As public child welfare agencies continue to experience high rates of workforce turnover and low rates of retention, employee mentoring and coaching has been forwarded as a potential mechanism to positively impact the workforce. Using a qualitative multi-method case study approach, this learning case describes an innovative statewide child welfare worker new employee mentoring program implemented by the State of Alaska Office of Children’s Services. Drawn from the perspectives of key leadership, line supervisors, and other stakeholders responsible for the development of the program, results included broad support and observed supervisor and employee benefits. Implications of this learning case are relevant to both child welfare agencies as well as other social service programs considering development of mentoring programs and implementation of broad system-wide programs.