Using Qualitative Data-Mining for Practice Research in Child Welfare

Qualitative data-mining (QDM), using the narrative data contained in child welfare case records, enables researchers to examine child welfare practice using relatively non-intrusive methods. QDM can increase our understanding of client populations and problems, child welfare worker actions, and case complexity. This paper reports on experiences from the Child Welfare Qualitative DataMining Project; outlines a seven-step guide to QDM methods; and describes how QDM can be used to enhance child welfare practice, research, and education.