February 1, 2008

Worker's Role: Visits with Children

This brief outlines the responsibilities of Iowa child welfare caseworkers in making face-to-face visits with children involved in the child welfare system. It reviews expectations on the preparation for visits, frequency of visits, and components of visits. Research findings are shared on linkages between visits and improved outcomes for children, and key elements are identified for quality visits. Practice tips and questions to ask children are also provided. A chart is included that lists the developmental tasks of children at different ages and appropriate caseworker visit activities.