Field Guide to Child Welfare
Looking to Enhance Your Child Welfare Knowledge?
Welcome to the online Field Guide to Child Welfare, a trusted resource for professionals dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families. Scroll down to access free PDF versions of each section—no login required. The guide is also available in French and Russian; please reach out if you’re interested in these versions or have any questions.
About the Field Guide to Child Welfare
The Field Guide to Child Welfare was originally published by the Child Welfare League of America and has become an invaluable tool for child welfare professionals around the globe. This four-volume guide is comprehensive, pragmatic, and logically organized, offering practical insights for caseworkers, supervisors, foster and adoptive parents, educators, and students. It provides essential knowledge to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
Who Can Benefit from the Field Guide?
This guide is for anyone in the field of child welfare:
Caseworkers seeking practical tools for day-to-day challenges.
Supervisors and administrators who aim to improve organizational outcomes.
Foster and adoptive parents navigating the complexities of care.
Educators and students looking to expand their knowledge of best practices.
How Can the Field Guide Help You?
Are you seeking answers to critical questions in child welfare?
How do I assess and mitigate risks to child safety?
What strategies work best for family reunification or placement?
How does maltreatment affect child development, and how can recovery be supported?
What are the principles of cultural competence in child welfare?
How can I create case plans that truly support children and families?
If these questions resonate with you, the Field Guide to Child Welfare is your go-to resource.
Field Guide to Child Welfare
Disclaimer
The Field Guide to Child Welfare was last updated in 1998. While much of its content remains relevant and foundational, we are actively working on updates to reflect current best practices and advancements in the field. The updated version will be made available as soon as possible.