The Child Welfare Challenge

This comprehensive examination of America's child welfare system combines historical context with contemporary analysis to reveal how policy, practice, and research intersect in serving vulnerable families. The book focuses specifically on publicly funded agencies and their core services—from foster care and adoption to in-home family support and child protection—demonstrating how social forces shape intervention strategies. Readers will find a thorough exploration of the systemic challenges facing child welfare professionals and the families they serve.

What distinguishes this work is its balanced approach to both historical foundations and forward-looking solutions, making it equally valuable for social work students and seasoned practitioners. The author's clear-eyed assessment of residential treatment, protective services, and family preservation initiatives provides crucial insight for anyone committed to improving outcomes for at-risk children. This essential resource ultimately challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches while offering practical pathways toward more effective child welfare practice.