Child Protective Services Workers and Supervisor Responses to Unsafe Home Visit Experiences

Background and Purpose: Intervening with families resulting from substantiated and unsubstantiated abuse and neglect can expose child protective services (CPS) workers to situations where
their safety can be compromised.

Methods: This study explored the experiences of CPS workers whose safety was compromised during home visits and their supervisors’ responses to these unsafe experiences. Current and former CPS workers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcribed data were analyzed
using the grounded theory.

Results: The findings of the study were that unsafe home visits experiences included client induced situations, mental health crisis, environmental factors, and interpersonal conflicts. The findings also suggested supervisor responses were vital when an unsafe situation during a home visit occurred.

Conclusions and Implications to Practice: First, the results reveal that CPS workers not only
experience abuse while completing home visits, but they are also subjected to clients’ unsafe living conditions. Second, the current study revealed that participants found it difficult to complete an
adequate assessment when interpersonal conflicts arose while completing a home visit. Third, the results revealed that in times of crisis, CPS workers contact their supervisor or law enforcement. Lastly, the findings highlight the importance of supportive leadership during times of crisis.