A must read on child welfare

In my opinion this book is a model of its kind and easily the most important book on child welfare in the last ten years.
These scholars, advocates, and practitioners set out a systematic framework within which to understand, develop, and implement appropriate community service systems and programmes that engage the specific conditions that prevent family wellness and contribute to child maltreatment.

We have known for many years that current reactive programming to child maltreatment can do little to help families and children after major damage has been done. This orientation has contributed to the exponential cost increases in child welfare we have seen in recent years and also has yielded no improvements in the conditions that give rise to child maltreatment. In addition, the existing fragmented community service systems and programmes that are fostered by fragmented government departments are quite unable to cope with the increasing complexity of presenting problems. To actually resolve the problems of child maltreatment, the bulk of services must be reorganized around the community wellness end of the spectrum. We also know that the problem of child maltreatment cannot be addressed solely through a focus on an individual family. A comprehensive community approach to thinking and action is essential.

This book describes what it would take to actually make the transition to a community wellness based system of services for families and children. It is a thorough compilation of policy-relevant knowledge on the determinants of family wellness and child maltreatment.

Policy experts within and outside government share total dependence on those who wield power, specifically politicians and ultimately, one might hope, citizens. In an age in which political leaders strive for ideological purity over pragmatism, it may seem that any policy advice from experts is entirely pointless. However, this book offers a practical, value and evidence-based foundation within which to begin a substantive dialogue on policy. On this foundation, citizens - families, politicians, professionals and government policy analysts - can address the preventable tragedy of child maltreatment. In short, the book was written for those people who are seriously searching for a means to promote family wellness and prevent child maltreatment.

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