It is not easy
finding positive stories about child welfare. As I was searching I found this
news article and thought that maybe there could be something good or insightful
at least. As I read through it though I was just thinking about how this author
has not been here, in Columbus. It is hard to judge fully an organization
without being on the inside. I understand that not all Child Welfare agencies
are great, but I do have knowledge of Franklin County Children Services.
This article
gives suggestions on how caseworkers need to look at the family situation and
how poverty plays a key role in child maltreatment. Basically, the author is
suggesting a systems theory lens. They also suggest giving parents more resources,
such as vocational, educational, and avocational goals and opportunities. To
sit down with parents and locate colleges and training schools as well as
provide ongoing support. At one point they say that there should be, “A determined commitment to attract and
prepare highly capable and motivated individuals should take the form of a
specialized child welfare track as part of university graduate psychology
programs. Its focus should be developmental psychology with attention to the
ways in which the interplay of many and varied factors and behavioral
complexities can result in seemingly similar outcomes. Included should be study
of the possible broad impact of impoverishment on family life.”
What the author describes here is our social work education.
Though I see how what the author recommends would benefit families, I see many
obstacles that need to be addressed. Caseworkers are treated very poorly by the
majority of their clients. They are stressed and overworked as it is with the
large caseloads and difficult clients. Adding in so many responsibilities (providing
education/career services) could present a challenge. Social workers in this
line would like to provide this to their families, but it is often hard work to
encourage a mother to attend a drug screen, let alone plan for a future career
and the education she will need to obtain it. Families do not want caseworkers
in their lives as it is because of the negative view and stigma. In addition,
caseworkers are not well paid (which is why it would be difficult to find
psychology majors who would want the job) and burn out quickly. We are taught
as students to not work harder than our clients and that is precisely what this
author is suggesting caseworkers do.
I agree that it is imperative to help the entire family system. You cannot expect a parent to help their child if they do not have the tools to do so or are able to advocate for themselves. If a parent is able to navigate their way through the job/college/ etc. processes, they are more likely to help their children when it is their time to do so. I do however also believe that you cannot be the crutch for the parent. The best way to explain it is that saying, "teach a man to fish...." Teach them necessary skills, don't do the work for them. I also believe that caseworkers are not treated well or given the respect the deserve, but if we can figure out a way to effectively support the parents, we can make sure the bulk of the work is on them.
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