Research on Social Work Practice, Ahead of Print.
Purpose:This quasi-experimental pilot study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of training designed to increase child welfare workers’ (N = 156) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to communicating with youth involved in the child welfare system about sexual and reproductive health (SRH).Method:Preintervention and 3-month follow-up survey data were collected from intervention participants (n = 69) who registered for a sexual health training and comparison participants (n = 87) who registered for other child welfare trainings.Results:Participants in the SRH training showed more positive behavioral beliefs, self-efficacy, and knowledge of SRH compared to date- and region-matched comparison participants at the 3-month follow-up; there was no difference between the groups on intentions or past month communication with clients regarding SRH.Conclusion:Findings suggest that although SRH training may be effective in changing child welfare workers’ attitudes about SRH, additional efforts may be needed to alter intentions and behaviors.