This training engages participants in an initial discussion of how excessive workloads in child welfare effect child welfare practice and practitioners. The training then summarizes findings from workload studies in various states regarding the number of hours per month caseworkers have to devote to casework duties, and reviews findings from Washington State workload studies regarding the numbers of hours per month needed to complete required activities in CPS, Voluntary Services, and Foster Care units. These findings are then translated into reasonable workload standards. 

The second part of the training outlines principles of workload management including the definition of "case" in various programs,  tracking workloads using active cases only, use of weighting formulas for "low maintenance" cases and developing rules for acceptable and unacceptable differences among and between caseloads in various offices and units. 

Strategies for workload management at the caseworker level are discussed. The training closes with a recommendation for how managers can adjust program expectations congruent with staffing levels.