Discussion: Social Policy: Child Abuse and Neglect

Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a cornerstone of the social work profession. Social work professionals strive to ensure that children grow into healthy, well-developed adults. They also develop, implement, and evaluate policy initiatives regarding child welfare. Such initiatives should aim to not only reduce child abuse and neglect, but also provide support for children's development and resources that will enhance their well-being. As a social worker, to what extent do you understand the existing policies addressing child abuse and neglect? In addition, how prepared are you to propose new policy initiatives in this regard?

For this Discussion, review the resources, including the NASW's policy statement on child abuse and neglect on the NASW website. Pick one of the NASW positions and consider a policy initiative you would introduce to further that initiative. Be sure to think about the policies that already exist in your state and how this initiative might alter existing policies.

Post by Day 3 a brief description of the position you selected from the NASW policy statement on child abuse and neglect. Then, describe a policy initiative you might introduce to further that position. Finally, describe the policies that already exist in your state and explain how your initiative might alter these existing policies.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I NEED

NASW Policy on Child Abuse and Neglect

The policy that I have chosen concerns involving communities, extended family members, kinship networks and neighborhoods to become involved with supporting a safe and secure living environment for children and caregivers residing in the community(NASW, 2009). This policy is geared towards communities and the residents who live in them, take responsibility not only for their own children, but for the safety of all children. A good example of this is when I was growing up, my parents got to know all the other families not only in the neighborhood, but through our school and church affiliations. Because of this net work of parental friendships, there was no way that any of the kids could get away with anything. There was always a parent watching out for us. At that time we hated being kept track of, but as a parent myself I fully understand why our parents kept a really good eye on all of us.

Policy Initiative for Communities
In the hospital where I work, we have health fairs where nurses, techs, and other health care professionals come in to learn about new technologies, renew certifications, update shots, and other important and necessary information pertaining to the health care field. As a Social worker, I would organize a child safety fair for the community that would have several organized sections that would contain information on child safety, child abuse and neglect, and other safety issues pertaining to children. These sections would have the appropriate professional talking with people. For example, situations that contribute to abuse and neglect would be explained by a police officer, nurses or doctors would explain the signs, sympthoms, and actions when there is suspection of abuse or neglect. With an event such as this for the community to attend, would increase awareness of the crisis going on without anyone realizing what is happening.

Missouri's Child Welfare Policies
According to the State Statutes Search for Missouri, the policies for child abuse and neglect are under the heading of "Determining the Best Interests of the Child"(childwelfare.gov., 2016). This policy states that the department of social services will address the needs of the homeless, dependent, and neglected children who are in the state's custody as well as their families who are in need of help(childwelfare.gov., 2016). The policy also states that serving these families should be in a neutral setting and close to the families home. Development of appropriate social services will be provided to the families when the child is removed from the home and at the time of reunification. Prevention and early intervention can help to solve issues before the situation becomes a crisis(childwelfare.gov., 2016).

Reference;
Social work.speaks.Washington, DC; NASW Press, Child Abuse and Neglect (pp. 42-48).