An initial validation of the Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory is reported. The Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory assesses stigmas held by child welfare professionals toward clients on three domains: Attitudes, Behavior, and Coworker Influence.
Methods
Initial validation of the Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory was conducted with a sample of 360 child welfare professionals in Florida. Scale conceptualization and development, content validation, and construct validation measures are discussed.
Findings
Preliminary psychometrics indicated good model fit for a three factor multidimensional scale. Racial differences emerged and subgroup models were also validated. Reliabilities were moderate to strong; the global stratified α was .89. Evidence of construct validity supported hypotheses about the accuracy of underlying constructs.
Conclusions
The Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory appears to be a reliable and valid measure of provider stigma.
Applications
The Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory may be useful for agency climate assessment and quality improvement initiatives, as well as for in-service training and social work education.
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