Contemporary Issues in Child Welfare Practice

This essential guide tackles the complex realities of modern child welfare, offering a systemic and evidence-informed overview of practice issues for both new and seasoned professionals. It moves beyond theory to address the integrated challenges at the individual, family, and organizational levels, providing a crucial roadmap for navigating the only specialty area where social work serves as the host profession. The book’s comprehensive scope makes it a vital resource for understanding the entire child welfare ecosystem.

What distinguishes this volume is its practical focus on the application of systemic thinking in direct service and management roles. It speaks directly to the needs of social workers entering the demanding child welfare field, equipping them with a nuanced understanding of contemporary issues that is often missing from academic texts. For any professional committed to effective, informed practice, this book serves as an indispensable tool for grounding their work in a cohesive and actionable framework.