Social work with protection of abused children and their families

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Social work with protection of abused children and their families

Tikhonova A.K.

Аннотация

Ключевые слова: social work, child abuse, intervention, healing, advocacy, prevention, trauma, resilience, family support, awareness, legal framework.

In the modern society, the term "abuse" is gaining currency in various forms. With the term abuse we usually refer to those events, situations, conditions or behaviors that injure the integrity and damage the development of the child [3, p. 68]. Child abuse encompasses various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. Regardless of its manifestation, the consequences are profound and enduring. Abused children often grapple with low self-esteem, trust issues, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. Left unaddressed, these challenges can perpetuate cycles of abuse and dysfunction across generations. Social workers confront this cycle head-on, recognizing the urgency of intervention to break its destructive grip.

In addition to being affected by physical abuse, children may also be affected by nonphysical domestic violence based on coercive control, such as isolation, continuous monitoring, financial abuse, and verbal and psychological abuse [2, p. 49]. In the developed countries of the world, the state and its institutions work to protect children from domestic violence, namely by working to maintain the responsibility of -professionals, organizations, and by promoting a child centered approach founded on the needs and attitudes of children [1, p. 24].

Social workers serve as compassionate champions for abused children and their families, navigating complex systems to ensure safety, healing, and justice. Their responsibilities are manifold, encompassing assessment, intervention, advocacy, and support. Upon receiving reports of suspected abuse, social workers conduct thorough investigations to assess risk and determine the most appropriate course of action. They collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, educators, and other stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable children.

Intervention strategies vary based on the unique needs of each case, but the overarching goal remains consistent: to promote healing and resilience. Social workers engage with abused children and their families in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner, providing a safe space for disclosure and expression. They offer crisis intervention, counseling, and therapeutic interventions tailored to address trauma and foster recovery. Moreover, social workers empower families by connecting them with community resources, such as housing assistance, financial support, and parenting education programs.

In addition to direct intervention, social workers play a pivotal role in advocating for policy changes and systemic reforms to prevent child abuse and strengthen support services. They engage in legislative advocacy, lobbying for laws that prioritize child welfare and allocate resources to support prevention efforts [4, p. 137]. Furthermore, social workers engage in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the signs of abuse, promote healthy parenting practices, and encourage community involvement in safeguarding children.

Despite their invaluable contributions, social workers face numerous challenges in their efforts to combat child abuse. Limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and systemic inequities often hinder their ability to provide timely and comprehensive services. Moreover, the emotionally taxing nature of their work can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for innovation and collaboration. By harnessing technology, leveraging community partnerships, and advocating for policy change, social workers can enhance their effectiveness and expand their impact [5, p. 180].

Social work with the protection of abused children and their families requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that addresses the complex needs of all stakeholders involved. By identifying cases of abuse, providing intervention and support services, navigating the legal framework, and engaging in prevention efforts, social workers play a critical role in creating safer environments for children to thrive. Through their dedication and commitment, social workers strive to break the cycle of abuse and promote the well-being of future generations.

abused children social work

Список литературы

1. Holt K. (2014). Child protection (Focus on social work law). Red Globe Press;

2. Katz E. (2016). Beyond the physical incident model: how children living with domestic violence are harmed by and resist regimes of coercive contol. Child Abuse, 25(1), 46-59;

3. Milosavljevic-Bukic I., Tankosic B., (2018). Porodicno nasilje - karakteristike nasilja nad decom i posledice na razvoj dece. Vojno delo, 70(5), 67-81;

4. Radey M., Schelbe L., King E.A. (2019). Field training experiences of child welfare workers: Implications for supervision and field education. Clinical Social Work Journal, 47(1), 134145;

5. Rawlings M.A., Olivas V., Waters-Roman D., Tran D. (2021). Developing engagement competence for public child welfare: Results of an inter-university simulation project. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(2), 172-183

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