[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Turning Over Turnover: Thinking Systemically About Worker Retention in Texas' Child Protective Services

## Details

**Authors** Speck H

**Year** 2016

**Publisher** Cornell Policy Review

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Public Policy

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/turning-over-turnover-thinking-systemically-about-child-protective-services-worker-retention/)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

This article explores Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker turnover, utilizing a systems thinking approach to exemplify possible applications of systems thinking in the public policy realm. Caseworker turnover inhibits the success of child services agencies in most states, and despite expenditures of state resources, efforts to lower turnover have failed. Initially, the article uses systems thinking methods to examine identified problems and historical solutions to high caseworker turnover, then the analysis explores the systems involved in the cycles of turnover. The impact of public perception on turnover is used as an example of an overlooked but potentially profound variable in combating turnover. Lastly, the results of applying systems thinking to a public policy problem is summarized.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A Cornell Policy Review piece thinking systemically about caseworker turnover in Texas Child Protective Services.

### What they found (results)

Despite state spending, turnover-reduction efforts have failed; the systems analysis surfaces overlooked variables — public perception among them — as potentially profound levers in the turnover cycle.

## Commentary

### In short

A student application of DSRP, from the Cornell Policy Review systems thinking special issues.

**Patterns it shows** R

**How to cite this** Speck H (2016). Turning Over Turnover: Thinking Systemically About Worker Retention in Texas' Child Protective Services. Cornell Policy Review.