Social workers play key roles in the prevention, identification, investigation, treatment, and administration of services for children and their families. The profession of social work should facilitate child protection through comprehensive efforts to ensure the healthy development of children. Child maltreatment occurs in all cultural, ethnic, occupational, and socioeconomic groups but is most often reported among poor, single-parent families of color. For this reason, a culturally sensitive approach is required based on a clear understanding of the influences of poverty, racism, and sexism in U.S. society. Families are the first caregivers for children.
Families have the first responsibility for the physical and emotional well-being of children.
Families, however, are bombarded daily with stresses that make it difficult to provide adequately for their children. Rising poverty, fewer living-wage jobs, increasing unemployment and underemployment, inaccessible health care, reductions in mental health and drug rehabilitation services, inadequate housing, and increased crime and violence are all taking their toll on families. Preventive child and family services have been sealed back in both the public and voluntary sectors. Public resources have become severely inadequate, particularly in impoverished communities. Child welfare priorities have focused on intervention after abuse and neglect have taken place.