Supportive communication processes of caregivers involved in the child welfare system

This study focuses on caregivers who have lost custody of their children due to maltreatment and explores their experiences with supportive communication from caseworkers in the child welfare system. Previous research has neglected the perspective of caregivers and their communication with caseworkers, leaving a gap in our understanding of their support needs. To fill this gap, the study employs optimal matching models and support gap theories to examine the types and amounts of supportive communication desired by caregivers and the resulting outcomes related to the support they receive. Additionally, the study introduces and tests the concept of communicative advocacy support, which involves communication involving three or more individuals.

Contrary to prior studies, which suggested a preference for emotional support, this research reveals that caregivers in this context prefer action-oriented support from caseworkers. Furthermore, caregivers report significant disparities between the support they desire and the support they receive, highlighting their unique expectations and needs. Notably, the findings indicate that caregivers generally seek more support than they are currently receiving across different situations.

Moreover, the study uncovers the complex and sometimes unexpected effects of receiving too little or too much support on caregivers' relationships, emotions, and behaviors. Lastly, this research contributes to supportive communication theory by introducing advocacy support as a distinct form of support. Caregivers expect and desire advocacy support from caseworkers but often feel undersupported in this area. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing caregiver perspectives in child welfare research and practice, emphasizing the need for further exploration of their specific support requirements.