Melissa Jonson-Reid, the Ralph & Muriel Pumphrey Professor of Social Work Research, and Brett Drake, Professor of Data Science for the Social Good in Practice of Washington University’s Brown School, are co-authors of a new book that examines the processes and outcomes of child welfare services in the United States, with global comparisons highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the field.
Written in a clear and accessible manner, and co-authored by other eminent scholars in the field, Understanding Child Welfare outlines which child welfare system reforms are likely to have the greatest benefit for at-risk and maltreated children and families. Chapters cover crucial debates and initiatives mapping the evolution of child welfare services in the US and presenting comparisons with other approaches to child welfare services across the globe. The authors adopt a chronological approach, from initial contact to case closings, beginning with the prevention of child maltreatment and extending through out-of-home care, with a particular emphasis on services to older youth. The book also considers how to approach issues stemming from the importance of understanding and addressing diversity in race, ethnicity, and culture among child welfare involved families and offers opportunities for the evolution of child welfare services.
Understanding Child Welfare is an illuminating read for students and scholars in social work, psychology, public health, and sociology. It is also a useful resource for practitioners, policymakers and other actors involved in child welfare services internationally.
This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline.com.