The Effectiveness of Child Welfare Services for Poor,Neglected Children: A Review of the Empirical Evidence

Abstract

This article attempts to formulate a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of child welfare services. First, factors that would put a family at risk of child welfare service intervention are examined. Then various levels of service intervention, including family preservation, foster care, group care, and residential treatment, are analyzed. Because they are arguably the fastest growing population with the greatest needs, neglected and abused children whose family backgrounds involve multiple problems are focused on as the yardstick for judging program effectiveness. Finally, social work research and practice applications are discussed and recommendations are given.

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