Child Welfare Practice Tools

A substantial and growing number of children in the United States have at least one chronic health condition. Many of these conditions are associated with disabilities and interfere regularly with children’s usual activities. In their most severe forms, such disorders are serious lifelong threats to children’s social, emotional well-being and quality of life, and anticipated adult outcomes such as for employment or independent living.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) -- the general term for the range of adverse effects associated with prenatal alcohol and drug exposure -- is estimated to affect 400,000 newborns annually in the United States.

This article presents information on the effects, legislation and current efforts on prenatal alcohol exposure and the child welfare system. There is a special focus on the current needs and potential solutions for child welfare social workers, children and their families.

This site provides tools to help youth identify the signs and symptoms of depression, suicide, and self-injury in themselves and their peers.

In federal fiscal year 2012, approximately 23,396 young people transitioned out of foster care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013) and faced the obstacles of adulthood – tight job markets, low wages, elevated tuition rates, and a lack of affordable housing – with limited, if any supports (Torrico Meruvia, 2013). Unlike their peers who may have family to rely on, life’s challenges can make older foster youths’ transition into adulthood a daunting and difficult one. Therefore, it is not surprising that former foster youth experience poor educational outcomes, high rates of unemployment, poverty, health issues, single parenthood, and homelessness (Courtney & Heuring, 2005; Torrico Meruvia, 2013).

In the last decade, the U.S. immigrant population has dramatically increased. In 2011, there were an estimated 40 million immigrants in the U.S.; 11 million of these individuals were undocumented (Pew Research Center, 2013). Children living in immigrant families now represent the fastest growing segment of the child population. In fact, it is estimated that one in four children and youth have an immigrant parent or are immigrants themselves (Capps & Passel, 2004; Torrico, 2010; NASW, 2013).

These standards were developed to broadly define the scope of services that child welfare social workers shall provide; that administrators should support; and that children, youths, and families should expect. They are designed to enhance awareness of the skills, knowledge, values, methods, and sensitivities social workers need to work effectively within the child welfare system.