Caseworker

Role in the System

Caseworkers are the first point of contact between Child Protective Services (CPS) and families. Their responsibility is to document, assess, and report, not to help. They interview parents and children, record every observation, and enter coded notes into software systems that drive decisions.

Core Functions

Conduct investigations and home visits

Enter data into platforms such as Northwoods Traverse, Guardian, or SafeMeasures

Build the initial case record that supervisors, attorneys, and judges rely on

Write reports that often determine whether a removal petition is filed

Education

Typically hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field

Some pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), though it is not always required

Average Salary

$45,000 – $58,000 per year (U.S., 2025)

High turnover is common due to workload and stress

Impact on Families

Caseworker notes form the foundation of every CPS case. Even if allegations are unsubstantiated, once documented, they remain in the record permanently. Families often mistake caseworkers as helpers, but their primary role is to collect data and establish the paper trail that drives the system forward.