Child Welfare ― An Integrative Perspective

Organized around the theme of child well-being, this book provides an overview of child welfare's past and present with consideration of its future. Using case examples and discussion questions, this text engages readers in a critical examination of the challenges and strategies used to date to suggest possible directions for promoting the well-being of all children. Meanwhile, the "whole child" integrative approach to child welfare uniquely examines strategies to address children's physical, emotional, social, and psychological needs. Child welfare policy and practices are integrated throughout, thereby illustrating the context in which child welfare practice occurs and how practice and policy are connected. Current issues guiding practice with children who are especially at-risk are also explored, including children with disabilities, immigrant children, and youth who may have been trafficked. Child Welfare is a rich resource for social work students, child welfare practitioners, and administrators alike.

Cathleen Lewandowski, PhD, MSW, is Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at Cleveland State University in Ohio. Her research interests include child welfare, substance abuse, and veterans' issues. She has practice experience in administration in children and family services, mental health, and military social work.