Social Work Child Welfare Practice: A Culturally Responsive Applied Approach

Blends practitioner-focused and culturally responsive interventions to provide an innovative approach to learning

With the aim of transforming flawed child welfare practices and policies into a more equitable system, this comprehensive, practice-based text delves into contemporary child welfare practice from antiracist, social justice, and decolonial perspectives. Incorporating first-hand knowledge of day-to-day practice, the book examines the many roles of professional child welfare workers, foundational skills they need to work in the field, the challenges and promises of trauma-informed practice, how to maintain a dedicated workforce, and strategies for reshaping the system.

This book covers child welfare practice thoroughly, from reporting to investigating and everything in between. It also explores relevant policies, signs of abuse/neglect, building relationships, anti-racist approaches, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Throughout, it emphasizes the trauma experienced by children and families involved in the system and the impact on child welfare professionals. Learning objectives, reflection boxes, discussion questions, and additional resources are included in every chapter to provide opportunities for students to apply concepts. Additionally, case studies in most chapters offer practical applications to real-world situations. To accompany the book, qualified instructors have access to an Instructor Manual, Sample Syllabus, Test Bank, chapter PowerPoints, and supplemental videos covering topics such as careers, engagement, and foster care. CourseConnect: Know, use, and test your understanding of course content with CourseConnect―an interactive learning platform included with your print purchase.

Key Features:

• Informed by real-world experience demonstrated through case studies, reflection boxes, and discussion questions
• Weaves antiracist, social justice, and decolonial perspectives throughout and includes the viewpoints of diverse voices from the field
• Provides extensive coverage of trauma-informed practice
• Devotes a separate chapter to the unique issues of foster children in school settings
• Connects content to the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards from the Council on Social Work Education
• Covers a broad range of career opportunities for child welfare workers in myriad settings

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Giesela Grumbach, PhD, LCSW, PEL (IL), is the Chair of the Department of Social Work at Governors State University. Her work experience spans 35 years working in schools, medical and legal settings, as well as private practice. Dr. Grumbach provided counseling services for parents seeking reunification with their children as a subcontractor of child welfare agencies. Dr. Grumbach has also provided court testimony for clients seeking family reunification due to involvement in the child welfare system. Additionally, she provided clinical supervision to child welfare professionals seeking licensure post-graduation from an accredited MSW program through an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and Governors State University partnership. Dr. Grumbach is the past president of the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (2005–2007). She continues to engage in professional associations through the NASW and the Council on Social Work Education (as a reviewer of MSW minority fellowship applicants).

JoDee Keller, PhD, LICSW (WA), is a Professor Emerita of Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University, where she taught for 34 years. Dr. Keller has explored comparative child welfare, examining child welfare practices in both European and Caribbean countries. Dr. Keller has conducted research on child abuse prevention and help-seeking behavior as it relates to ethnic diversity and income status, as well as exploring supports and barriers for parents who are seeking assistance with parenting. Dr. Keller maintains her involvement with NASW; the Council on Social Work Education, where she is a re-accreditation site visitor; a local school district; and a Washington State Educational Service District, where she is a member of a multidisciplinary team providing professional training for applicants seeking school certification.

Yolanda Jordan, MSW, LCSW, is a highly seasoned practitioner with over 32 years in child welfare service. Ms. Jordan has worked in various positions within child welfare, including case management, clinical services, and the juvenile court. She also has been a supervisor and manager for foster care placement teams. Ms. Jordan received a departmental award, Outstanding Child Welfare Administrator, and recognition from NASW-IL-Calumet District (Emerging Leader Award, Social Worker of the Year). She is a licensed clinical social worker and private practitioner serving children, families, and couples. Ms. Jordan is currently a Program Manager for Cook County Agency Performance in Illinois, where she manages supervisors, provides direction for clinical competency, community and inter-agency relationship building, professional development, and program improvement through measurable outcomes.