Theses and Dissertations Collection

The child welfare profession is dependent on a well-trained, competent workforce to perform difficult job responsibilities in a complex environment. Child welfare training efforts must lead to increased competency to be effective. Learning in the training environment must transfer to practice changes in the field. Few studies have examined transfer of learning specific to child welfare training. The purpose of this study was to explore what child welfare experts identify as key factors to enhance transfer of learning from child welfare training to child welfare practice. This study utilized a three round Delphi Approach to expand identification and understanding of individual learner, training and organization factors enhancing transfer of learning for child welfare workers. Child welfare experts identified factors impacting transfer of learning and began the process of operationalizing those factors. Results were integrated into a training evaluation logic model. The importance of relationship-related factors to transfer of learning for child welfare workers was identified. Supportive supervisor, trust and trusting relationships, and genuine care between colleagues were all found to be important factors for transfer of learning.