A mixed methods study of how interprofessional communication relates to timely reunification in the U.S. child welfare system

Using administrative data from one county’s child welfare system, this mixed methods study explored whether caseworker communication with other professionals working with a family was linked to timely reunification. Logistic regressions (n = 250) indicated more frequent communication was associated with increased odds of timely reunification. The qualitative findings (n = 21) explain this relationship, suggesting that interprofessional communication helps professionals address barriers to reunification, make timely decisions, and stay on the same page. Together, the findings from both phases highlight the importance of interprofessional communication in child welfare and provide insight into what professionals should discuss when they communicate.