ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects upon the lessons about child welfare practice and suggests how these lessons might guide aspirations for child welfare as we move into the next century. It includes a comparison of these lessons with those emerging from recent research carried out by colleagues at the Child Family and Community Research Unit in the School of Social Work at the University of Victoria. Community work in the face of the forces of globalization has much to offer child welfare. It can be an important approach to helping those in local communities recover from the devastation of unemployment, migrations, family unheavals and limited services. Identity group organizing is a crucial approach to helping people who have been racialized to find solace and strength together. Educating social workers for child welfare requires preparation in community work, even though the opportunity to practice in community may not be apparent in child welfare positions.
