Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide the background and theoretical framework that contribute to staff retention and job satisfaction in child protection. This project intends to understand the factors and relationships associated in maintaining successful staff in child welfare. An anonymous mixed methods study was utilized and formatted with both quantitative and qualitative questions. This survey was distributed to four Southeastern Minnesota county child protection units and asked respondents specific questions in regards to personal characteristics, work factors, and agency factors that impact their job satisfaction and levels of compassion fatigue. This study indicates that work factors such as the nature of the work, client population, severity of cases, paperwork, and workload, significantly impacts the level of workers job satisfaction. Implications suggest when adequate supports are provided, there is a reduction in stress, which leads to higher levels of job satisfaction, and ultimately retention of staff.