Methods: All CPS supervisors and case managers in the state of Tennessee were asked to participate in a web-based survey. A response rate of 56% was obtained from the 333 persons contacted. Survey instruments included: the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, the Professional Organizational Culture Questionnaire, and the Intent to Remain Employed Measure.

Results: Respondents reported experiencing one or more STS symptoms during the previous week at least occasionally (92%) or often (59%). Between 11% and 34% of respondents met the DSM criteria for PTSD, depending on whether symptoms were experienced often or occasionally, respectively. STS symptoms were modestly correlated with a lifetime history of personal trauma (r = .247, p < .001), peer support (r =  -.145, p < .05), and caseload (r = .117, p < .02). Symptoms were not correlated with recent (past 12 months) history of personal trauma, administrative support, or professional experience. Further, symptoms were moderately correlated with intent to remain employed in child welfare (r = .388, p < .001).

Implications: Most CPS workers experience STS to some degree. Because a relationship clearly exists between STS and workers' intent to remain employed in child welfare, efforts should be made to ameliorate the effects of STS. One possibility is to facilitate peer support among CPS workers.