title: In our best interest: three necessary shifts for child welfare workers and children.
abstract: In contrast to medicine, technology, and other fields, where great advances have been made in the past century, child welfare has yet to reach its full potential. The author, a former youth in care, proposes three practical shifts in child welfare policy and practice, changes that would cost little but would do much to build a better future for children and families: (1) renaming and reclaiming our children; (2) emphasizing communities, not agencies; and (3) valuing principles more than programs. Suggestions for implementing these shifts are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Seita
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002669:Child Welfare; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013240:Stereotyping; D014481:United States