The 2007-09 Operating Budget (SHB 1128) directed JLARC to conduct an analysis of the qualifications required to become a social worker within the DSHS Children's Administration and compare those qualifications with the qualifications required for equivalent positions in other states.  The study concluded 1) there is little research available to identify how staff qualifications impact child outcomes or to identify the appropriate balance of education and experience to be a social worker; 2) Washington’s qualifications are similar or more stringent than most other states; 3) experts believe policy decisions on caseloads and visitation rates are more significant for child outcomes than education and experience of social workers; and 4) the educational attainment of social workers has been increasing in recent years.   The study offers recommendations for increasing the proportion of supervisory level social workers meeting national accreditation standards and improving the personnel data system.