Child Welfare in America: A Reference Handbook

This one-stop resource explores the leading child welfare issues facing the USA today, as well as the laws, programs, and policy prescriptions that have been implemented or suggested to address pressing child welfare problems. In doing so, the book surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children. Moving through centuries of US history, Child Welfare in America ranges from the child labor practices of the nineteenth century to contemporary anxieties about affordable child care, underperforming schools, screen time and social media pressures, and abusive family environments. Readers will better understand the range of factors affecting child welfare, including the cost of good child care, alcohol and drug abuse in family settings, homelessness, educational opportunities, teen pregnancy, and more. The book also surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children. Profiles of important advocacy organizations, agencies and individuals outline the approaches to child welfare issues and policies throughout the centuries.