NCJ Number
163610
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Social workers in social service organizations, medical settings, and private practice are involved in all stages of treatment and intervention with abused children.
Abstract
Social workers develop an ongoing relationship with child victims and their families. Their work benefits from their knowledge of the factors that contribute to abusive behavior, understanding of issues and dynamics related to child abuse and neglect, ability to sustain meaningful and therapeutic relationships throughout the intervention processes, and awareness and use of community resources and programs. Social workers often function as a member of a multidisciplinary team in which each member shares information to enhance treatment goals and planning. Social workers in social service organizations are heavily involved in investigations, intervention, and termination. Medical social workers collaborate with medical staff and outside social service workers to focus on health care and treatment, documentation and assessment, and diagnosis and treatment planning. Social workers in private practice focus on restructuring family dynamics. When treatment is unsuccessful, the clinician must take an assertive stance in encouraging the parent to relinquish the child voluntarily. Therapy varies from family to family while aiming to accomplish goals such as measurable changes in interpersonal and social relationships, the use of community resources, and improved ability to cope with stress. 2 references