Development and validation of the Child Welfare Provider Stigma Inventory

Abstract

Summary 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.