Implications of Media Scrutiny for a Child Protection Agency

Authors

Lindsay D. Cooper, Oakland University

Keywords

Child protection agency, media scrutiny, culture, job efficacy

Abstract

This study examines media impact on job efficacy in a child protection agency. The research uses inductive, holistic research methods to examine the effect of media scrutiny on changes in management dictates, worker duties and responsibilities, and agency services. Data were collected from media sources, interviews, archival materials, and participant observation, then analyzed via qualitative content analysis, providing a basis for rich ethnographic description of perceptions and behavior of diverse groups of people involved in child protection. The study reveals how contradictions in American national culture generate a need for increased communication, understanding, agreement, and support, between various groups of people who influence child protection.

Recommended Citation

Cooper, Lindsay D. (2005) "Implications of Media Scrutiny for a Child Protection Agency," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 32: Iss. 3, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3094
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol32/iss3/7