Our child welfare systems can feel like we are in a game of Jenga. We are attempting to grow and expand our systems by moving pieces one by one - while stretching our limited capacity. But with each move, the entire system risks collapse, particularly with worker shortages.
Child welfare has a pipe problem. Our pipes can't handle this much pressure... But there's another way, a way to relive the pressure and unleash the amazing internal motivation of our people ... and it starts with fixing the plumbing.
As we work with child welfare agencies across the country to help tackle the capacity crisis, here's a glimpse of what we're learning.
If the work made passionate people act like Flo on the TV series “Alice,” then the work can bring them back.
Agencies’ tendency to add more rules (and thus work) every time something bad happens prevents child protection workers from doing everything they can to keep kids safe.
Reality TV reveals the problems with government services, but how do we fix them?
But black belts, "Lean" t-shirts and TQM posters are forever. Well, not really.
States and localities keep trying on the same pair of pants and expecting them to fit differently.
In the public sector, great customer service is nice. But there's something else that matters more.
In the public sector, there's one phrase that's downright bone-chilling.
