Exploring the Significances of Field Experiences and Improvement Measures for Dream Start Child Integration Case Managers

This study aimed to explore significances of child integration case managers and improvement measures for the Dream Start project. In order for this, in-depth interviews were conducted with six child integration case managers, who are core personnel in the Dream Start project, and analyzed their experiences using constant comparison methods. The analysis revealed that Dream Start child integration case managers felt a sense of mission and pride as professionals, joy and achievement from the positive changes shown by their clients, a sense of reward from positive feedback, personal growth, and encouragement and support from colleagues. However, they also experienced various limitations and difficulties, such as challenges related to the developmental characteristics of children, especially the need for intervention in infant families, passive participation by guardians, and issues arising from non-standard family structures and functions. The improvement measures proposed by the participants include institutional improvements for early intervention in infant families, refinement of the case discovery system and assessment tools, increased budgets and dedicated expert teams, enhancement of guardian education and awareness programs, and support for strengthening the capabilities of field practitioners. The study emphasizes the importance and necessity of early intervention, suggesting tailored program implementation, improvement of guardian awareness, and establishment of a support system for practitioners.