Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex’s Post

Social-historical research reveals... more Stories being sought! Historical debates and shifts in child welfare, during the 1960s, were intended to focus on rights and well-being of children. However, the implementation of these ideals has not always been successful. Many, particularly those in vulnerable situations, have not always received care and consideration they deserved. The transition from church-run to state-run child welfare services was a complex process. It aimed to standardize care and prioritize children’s rights. It also faced many challenges. Debates and policies of the time did not always translate into effective practice. Unfortunately, some children fell through cracks of the system. Stories about these hidden cracks and injustices are powerful reminders of much work still to be done to ensure all children’s rights and well-being are truly at the forefront of child welfare services. Sharing a broader diversity of child welfare experiences can contribute to the ongoing conversation about how to improve these systems and make them more responsive to needs of those they serve. Interested in learning more about the historical context and debates surrounding child welfare in Canada? Resources are available that explore these topics in depth. One, “Historical Foundations of Canadian Child Welfare and Mandatory Reporting”, provides an overview of the evolution of child welfare systems in Canada. Additionally, “TRC Calls to Action on Child Welfare: A Historical Primer” discusses the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadian child welfare institutions. Our voices of lived experience are critical. By sharing your story, you can helo shed light on areas where systems can and must improve.

Trusting leadership isn’t easy. Are they relatable? Why are they passionate? Are they passionate? Do they practice self control and positive balanced lifestyles. Do they integrate with the affected communities? Are they angry? So many things I am learning…. And why it’s important

For journalists, opportunities abound for solutions-oriented and trauma-informed stories on the child welfare system crisis that address underlying family stressors — and ways to keep kids with parents or relatives. Register for our webinar to learn more: https://ow.ly/vJbI50R1p59

I would like to share how proud I am to have worked with an amazing research team (Bryn King, Ami Goulden, Rasnat Chowdhury and Florence Wong) to capture the experiences of young mothers who have been investigated by the child welfare system in Ontario. This paper is my first academic publication as a researcher. You can access the article through an institutional subscription with the link below or send me a message and I will be happy to send it to you! https://lnkd.in/eJeGy9ca #academicresearch #youngparentsproject #youngmothers #youthresearcher #childwelfare Peace!!

Reform, Not Abolish, Child Welfare: A Science-Informed Path Over the past couple of years, while teaching classes, presenting lectures, or offering invited talks and workshops, students and participants have inquired about the need to abolish the child welfare system. Some have questioned whether they should continue their pursuit of a career in this field. They are aware of the growing calls by abolition advocates, particularly UpEND and JMac for Families, to completely eradicate child welfare services, despite offering no evidence as to its likely impact on child safety or permanency. Abolition advocates have successfully convinced a few scholars, an unknown number of students, and a surprising number of community members and decision-makers that child protective services must be eliminated. Acting on briefs supplied only by activist groups, the United Nations has even called for all major child welfare laws in the United States to be repealed or replaced. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTNBwuad #helpchildren #kidsatrisk #yatom #youth #vulnerable #ChildAbusePreventionAwareness #fostercare #childabuseawareness #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #childwelfare #childwelfaresystem #childwelfarereform

The Center for Excellence promotes the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) as the gold standard for child welfare, fostering nurturing environments for children, prioritizing family preservation, and honoring cultural diversity and justice. By upholding the principles of the ICWA, we respect Tribal Sovereignty and the core values of a compassionate society. Check out our latest news entry on our blog below!

Currently, both the House and Senate have proposed budgets, and your support is crucial to ensure the best outcomes for our vulnerable youth. In the House proposed budget, there are commendable allocations that address the pressing needs within our child welfare system. Notably, the $7 million for a 7% foster care and adoption cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is a vital step in supporting those on the front lines of child welfare. Additionally, funding for local staff and operations, Child Welfare Forecast, and programs like Kinship as Prevention and the Training Academy are essential components in creating a robust and effective child welfare system. On the Senate side, there are positive aspects, such as the proposed $16 million for the Kinship as Prevention Program bill, training academy initiatives, and the transfer of funding for youth aging out of foster care. However, the House version has items not included in the Senate budget. Take action to make sure child welfare is prioritized in the budget by completing this action alert: https://ow.ly/hHFj50QGMlG

April 26 webinar: Can the Child Welfare System Be Saved? Register today! We’ll explore the ongoing crisis, the latest efforts at reform, and how journalists can tell urgent stories of young lives and families at risk. https://ow.ly/4yuY50R5Sap

A new law passed last year implemented new work requirements for #TANF. But as recent research highlights a link between TANF restrictions and increased rates of children placed in foster care, it raises the question: what potential impact could these work requirements have on child welfare? Read the new piece by Marina Pascali exploring some of the topline findings of that research, the new TANF rules that went into effect last fall, and the potential impact of TANF work requirements on child welfare outcomes. https://lnkd.in/eTPhDjkP

An important read.