The report summarizes researched-based interventions shown to improve direct-care worker retention and competence. It also reports the results of ''listening sessions'' conducted with service recipients, family members, and the workers it calls direct support professionals (DSPs). The report presents the work group's recommendations for improving compensation, recruitment, retention, and training for workers and their supervisors.

While parts of the report focused solely on DSPs who assist people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance abuse issues, the 10 recommendations apply to all direct-care workers. First on the list is creating a state-wide advisory group to gather data and information on the status of the workforce. Other recommendations include:

-Create a certificate or credentialing program to recognize existing skills and competence and provide a career path.
-Increase wages to ensure that workers earn ''a livable wage'' and ensure an annualized cost of living wage increase.
-Create a marketing and public awareness campaign to explain who direct-care workers are and what contributions they make to their communities (abstract from: http://www.directcareclearinghouse.org/n_news_det.jsp?res_id=264910&res;_type=6&txn;_type=).