Child Abuse and Neglect: Psychological Impact and Role of Social Work

Child welfare is considered a special area of practice within the profession of social work, and the principles and values of the social work profession generally fit with policies that guide modern child welfare organizations. In most countries, social workers in child welfare agencies have a minimum of a requirement and are registered with a government body that holds them accountable for competent and ethical practice. Child abuse can affect personality growth and later adult behavior. A social worker is closely connected with the study of causes, with treatment and associated research. Underpinning that mission is the belief that all societies have a duty to aim for an abuse-free environment. It needs to be recognized by students that working in this area can be very stressful for the professionals concerned. Interventions require exposure to deviant and stressful situations, which can, over time, affect the mental health of workers themselves. In some situations, dealing with criminal perpetrators can also be threatening and dangerous.