This study provides a concise understanding of the social work practices particularly the child welfare. It also aims to give details about their developmental history, situation, objectives and problems that they are facing. It will also explain things that a certain social work practice must deal with to be able to function effectively. 1. Social Problems the field of practice addresses The Social Work Practice in Child Welfare basically deals with vulnerable and troubled children as well as families.
The goal of this type of social work is to provide prevention and intervention services both to families and children particularly those who have been or at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, mental or health needs, delinquent child and those who do not have adult caregivers or guardians. This social work also contributes in preventing out-of-home placements; reunify families and long-term care and solutions to those who are in need. It is designed to support families and protect children from any type of harm. Child welfare also includes programs and policies that are dedicated to protection, care and healthy development of children. 2. Social System that a Social Worker must deal with
In performing the duties of a social worker involved in children welfare, there are some social systems that they have to deal with to be able to perform their duties well. First is the economy. The economy involves processes in which various factors of production including the natural resources are utilized to produce goods and services which eventually will be distributed to consumers. With this, more aides will be provided to the welfare as long as the economy stands firm. Another one is the political aspect.
This includes processes that will attain collective goals such as activities related to decision making and binding on all members of the society. A strong and united government can provide better services and support to its citizens. 3. Historical Development of Social Work in Child Welfare Tracing back the history of child welfare, social workers have played a huge role in the system by protecting children at risk and supporting families who are in need. It is strongly rooted in the tradition of social reform which alleviates the problems of children in post-industrial society. Concerned citizens and public officials created some voluntary agencies and government
services for children in the past seventy years. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) spearheaded the field in the development of child welfare. The NASW during 1981 served as an initial effort to create standards in this evolving area of practice. And because it is a must that these standards reflect and promote a good social work practice, they have been revised and expanded way beyond child protection to go with the changing practices and policies in time. Other several essential shifts in law and policy were also done with the passage of the
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA). ASFA paid more attention to safety, permanency, and well-being of the children. The next decade opens a range of economic, social and political factors that will affect the child welfare which includes the number of children who needs adoption and other types of supportive services. These are more likely to test current policies and place greater demands on the child welfare system to respond to numerous needs. 4. Social Work Agencies In New York City, there are numerous agencies which devote themselves in extending help particularly to children.
A good example is the Children’s Aid Society which extends their assistance not only to children but to their parents as well. The agency uses comprehensive approach to educate children– from early childhood to school-aged children. On the other hand, adolescents are accommodated with the use of programs which are suitable for their growing stage. One of which is the Hope Leadership Academy which help promotes to elevate the self- esteem of the youth to succeed. As for the parents, the agency engages those parents and adult issues.
They also help them access health care, housing and other services that might help the family in the long run. Another one is the Hour Children, an organization that basically works with women who are formerly imprisoned in New York prisons and provides services for their children. The said women receive assistance such as finding employment, housing, education, childcare, legal and family counseling. The Children Welfare Organization Project also helps the children welfare by dedicating itself to reform the public child welfare in New York with the help of the parents and policy plans.
This agency facilitates activities such as parent education and organizing as well as parent dialogue with child-welfare policy makers, ongoing development of a peer-led parent leadership curriculum.
References
NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Child and Welfare (2005) National Associations of Social Workers Barker, R. L. (2003). The Social Work Dictionary 5th ed. Washington, DC: NASW Press Cyphers, G. (2001). Report from Child Welfare workforce survey: State and County data and findings. Washington DC http://www. childrensaidsociety. org/ hour. children@worldnet. att. net http://www. cwop. org/