Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Fall 5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Communication - Corporate Communication
Language
English
First Advisor
Allison Hahn
Second Advisor
Dr. Caryn Medved
Abstract
This paper examines how caseworker turnover is portrayed in New York State foster care assessment documents published between 2014 and 2024. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis (QCA) approach informed by Margrit Schreier’s methodology, this study evaluates publicly available government reports, assessment documents, policy documents, and audit reports to identify how turnover is represented, what causes are highlighted, and what consequences are downplayed. The data reveals that turnover is often framed as an administrative issue rather than a workplace welfare crisis with extensive emotional and relational impacts on caseworkers, children, and families. Burnout, heavy caseloads, inadequate mental health care, low pay, backlogs resulting from COVID-19, and inconsistent bureaucracy are all identified in the documents as significant causes of workforce instability. The study also draws attention to a structural disparity in which caseworkers handling complex child welfare cases frequently receive less structured support than foster and birth families. Ultimately, this study argues that caseworker turnover should be viewed as an organizational and structural problem rather than an individual shortcoming. To enhance outcomes and maintain workforce stability within New York State's foster care system, the findings suggest a need for policy reform centered on manageable caseloads, higher compensation, robust mental health support, and long-term retention strategies.
Recommended Citation
Cover-Lapomarede, Shelby S., "The Portrayal of Caseworker Turnover in New York State Foster Care Assessment Documents" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/221
