Abstract
This study explored the implementation, used and effectiveness of Team Decision Making (TDM) in Sacramento County using self-administered questionnaires. This research project intended to examine the implementation of TDM as a means to reduce multiple placement changes of children in the foster care system. The purpose of this research project was to gain knowledge on the implementation, used and effectiveness of TDM through analysis of the data obtained from the participants, such as the members’ attitudes toward the usefulness of TDM. Participants were 23 employees of Sacramento County Children Protective Services and members of the Team Decision Making group located in Sacramento, California who worked with this specific unit between June 2008 and July 2009. The participants included TDM facilitators, supervisors, schedulers, and social workers. Data from the self-administered questionnaire was organized through qualitative data methods of content and thematic analysis. Findings from this study indicated that participants felt that TDM was a success in reducing the number of placements of children while in the foster care system. The findings suggest that TDM could be accepted by social workers through education and training. The knowledge gained through this research findings will provide a better understanding of how TDM was implemented, used and its effectiveness.