The research team is pleased to share some updates on the status of our ongoing evaluation of the enhanced child welfare certificate program. This certificate program—developed through a collaboration between Rutgers University’s Center for Research on Ending Violence and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF)—aims to strengthen the state’s child welfare response to families affected by domestic violence and child maltreatment.
We are excited to announce that we have received approval from the Rutgers Institutional Review Board (IRB) to move forward with our mixed methods evaluation. This approval marks an important milestone, ensuring that our study meets rigorous ethical standards and reflects a strong commitment to the safety and confidentiality of all participants.
As we prepare for the next phase of the study, we are meeting with individuals who are central to the program, as well as with DCF staff directly involved in addressing domestic violence and child maltreatment. These conversations will help us refine our evaluation approach, deepen our understanding of the program’s implementation, and ensure the perspectives of those closest to the work are reflected throughout the research process.
This summer, we will begin conducting interviews with past program participants. These interviews will provide rich, qualitative insights into the effectiveness of the training and its impact on professionals’ ability to respond to family violence. Alongside survey data, these findings will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how specialized training can enhance New Jersey’s child welfare system.
We look forward to sharing what we learn as the evaluation progresses. Thank you for your continued interest and support as we work together to improve outcomes for children and families across the state. Stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead.