MSW-6002 V1

Anderson, M. (2021, October). The power of being seen: How we can transform the child welfare system [Video]. YouTube.
This TedTalk describes how the child welfare system does not encourage success and describes ideas on how the system should be changed to support families. Throughout this week, consider the focus on the family and assumptions behind our goal of family reunification.

Families Rising. (n.d.). Recent comprehensive child welfare legislation.
This website should be helpful as you work on this week’s assignment examining different pieces of federal child welfare policy.

Human Rights Watch. (2022, November 17). “If I wasn’t poor, I wouldn’t be unfit.” The family separation crisis in the US child welfare system. Human Rights Watch.
This first person account discusses the journey of a single mother, Adaline, and how her family was impacted by child protective laws and services. The article ends with specific recommendations on changes to our current system which disproportionately impacts women and families of color.

Moriarty, E. (2022, December 4). Fostering tragedy: Experts say system designed to protect children can break up families. CBSNews.
This video provides additional accounts of how the child welfare system is set up to disproportionately impact women and families of color. Included is information from Dorothy Roberts who wrote the book ‘Torn apart: How the child welfare system destroys black families and how abolition can build a safer world.’

Asgarian, R. (2023, October 3). The case for child welfare abolition. In These Times.
This resource builds on the Moriarity news segment above by delving further into the case for the abolition of child welfare, a controversial perspective. As you read this article, consider if there are any of these reforms that you believe can benefit families, particularly families that have been traditional overrepresented in the child welfare system.

Child Welfare Information Gateway connects you to expert-selected resources, including publications, research, and learning tools, aimed at promoting the well-being of children, youth, families, and communities.

This website will be helpful in searching state statutes for your weekly assignment.

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2022). Definitions of child abuse and neglect. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau.