Resource Guide for Child & Family Social Workers

The field of social work involves a great deal of compassion and responsibility. When it comes to families and children, social work can be extremely important to ensure the safety and well being of all involved. People who choose to be come social workers have a great care and concern for children, and for their parents as well. Understanding the various aspects of social work and how they can be implemented in peoples’ lives can play a pivotal role in families and their development.

Organizations

• NASW – The National Association of Social Workers is a meeting place and think tank where social workers all over the US can find resources and discuss their profession.
• Child Welfare League – The CWLA is dedicated to ensuring the welfare and well-being of children across America.
• Association of Social Work Boards – An association of boards that all pertain to various aspects of social work, including social work for children and families.
• School Social Work Association of Amerca – Organization that works with schools to improve the educations and lives of students.
• Society for Social Work and Research – Nonprofit that provides an outlet for social workers to research and further the field of social work.
• American Public Human Services Association – Aims to improve the well-being and health of children, families, and adults.
• National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators – Group specifically created to improve child welfare.

Research and Journals

• Social Work Policy Institute – A group that deals with research of social work policies and adapts new ways to perform the work for children and their families.
• Educational Research – This page features links and more information to educational social work research.
• Statistics on Child Welfare – A large database of statistical information about child and family welfare.
• Child Care/Development Factsheet – An important factsheet discussing child care, funding, and links to other resources.
• CSSR – The center for Social Services Research provides data and educational research on social work, programs, and more.
• Journal of Social Work – Professional journal for those in the social work field.
• Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal – Journal specifically for social workers in the child and family field.
• Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics – Research and information on the ethics involved in social work.

Adoption

• Adoptuskids – Provides information and ways to find out about US children in need of a new family.
• Adopting – This website has help for families looking to adopt, adopted children, and those who are in the adoption profession.
• Overview – A brief overview & FAQ’s about adoption and the adoption process, for families.
• Legal Information – Technical, legal information about the adoption process.

Foster Homes

• Foster Care – Important facts for families from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Statistics & Research – This page contains several different factsheets with statistics/research pertaining to foster homes and foster care.
• Foster Care Facts – A good place for social workers to find facts about foster care.
• State-by-State – This site has information by state on foster care reform, children awaiting a foster home, and more.
• Latino Children in Foster Care – The number of Hispanic and Latino children in foster care is increasing; find out more here.
• Children’s Rights – A good resource for social workers about current foster care statistics and facts.

Teen Pregnancy

• National Campaign – Teen pregnancy is a growing problem; this organization is working to help prevent it.
• Teen Sexual Health – What every social worker should know about teenagers and their sexual health and reproduction.
• March of Dimes – A helpful factsheet about teenage pregnancy; can be used to distribute to teens.
• Prevention – More information about what social workers can do to help prevent teenage pregnancy.
• Cause & Effect – Why teens often become pregnant, how it affects them, and what can be done.

Parental Neglect

• Perspective – This page discusses the psychological effects that parental neglect can have on people.
• The Law – What constitutes parental neglect, and what the law says about it.
• Reporting Neglect – Guidelines for social workers and how/when to report parental neglect.
• Fact Sheet – An important tool for social workers to help identify and prevent parental neglect of children.
• Case Study – This case study observes parental neglect, and how it can impact children and their parents.

POSTED BY: admin - May 12th, 2010 at 03:50pm ( 0 )