Richard P. Barth, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work, Jill Duerr Berrick, Distinguished Professor and Zellerbach Family Chair, Berkeley Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, Melissa Jonson-Reid, Ralph and Muriel Pumphrey Professor of Social Work Research, Brown School, Washington University, Antonio R. Garcia, Professor, School of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Associate Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, John Gyourko, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, James Madison University and Brett Drake, Professor of Data Science for the Social Good in Practice, Brown School, Washington University, USA

‘Hats Off! to Barth, Berrick, Jonson-Reid, Garcia, Greeson, Gyourko and Drake (with Dill-Word) for an outstanding, clear and engaging overview of the complexities and challenges of contemporary child welfare. Understanding Child Welfare (2026) authored by preeminent and emergent child welfare scholars offers fresh perspectives for seasoned practitioners as well as those just entering this critical area of service.’

• ContentsPreface1 Understanding the aims and tensions of child welfare services 2 Pursuing safety: Understanding harm, trauma, andinterventions in families 3 Foster care and beyond: Pathways, practices, and permanency4 Child welfare and the challenge of difference: Universalism,accommodation, and reform 5 Adolescents in child welfare: Distinctive pathways, services,and outcomes6 Will the kids be alright? CWS and the unfinished work ofprotection and beyond 7 Child welfare myths and misunderstandings 8 Workforce dynamics in child welfare: Investing in the peoplewho protect children 9 Looking ahead: Toward a smaller, smarter, stronger childwelfare system References

Richard P. Barth, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work, Jill Duerr Berrick, Distinguished Professor and Zellerbach Family Chair, Berkeley Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, Melissa Jonson-Reid, Ralph and Muriel Pumphrey Professor of Social Work Research, Brown School, Washington University, Antonio R. Garcia, Professor, School of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Associate Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, John Gyourko, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, James Madison University and Brett Drake, Professor of Data Science for the Social Good in Practice, Brown School, Washington University, USA

‘Hats Off! to Barth, Berrick, Jonson-Reid, Garcia, Greeson, Gyourko and Drake (with Dill-Word) for an outstanding, clear and engaging overview of the complexities and challenges of contemporary child welfare. Understanding Child Welfare (2026) authored by preeminent and emergent child welfare scholars offers fresh perspectives for seasoned practitioners as well as those just entering this critical area of service.’

• ContentsPreface1 Understanding the aims and tensions of child welfare services 2 Pursuing safety: Understanding harm, trauma, andinterventions in families 3 Foster care and beyond: Pathways, practices, and permanency4 Child welfare and the challenge of difference: Universalism,accommodation, and reform 5 Adolescents in child welfare: Distinctive pathways, services,and outcomes6 Will the kids be alright? CWS and the unfinished work ofprotection and beyond 7 Child welfare myths and misunderstandings 8 Workforce dynamics in child welfare: Investing in the peoplewho protect children 9 Looking ahead: Toward a smaller, smarter, stronger childwelfare system References

Richard P. Barth, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work, Jill Duerr Berrick, Distinguished Professor and Zellerbach Family Chair, Berkeley Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, Melissa Jonson-Reid, Ralph and Muriel Pumphrey Professor of Social Work Research, Brown School, Washington University, Antonio R. Garcia, Professor, School of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Associate Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, John Gyourko, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, James Madison University and Brett Drake, Professor of Data Science for the Social Good in Practice, Brown School, Washington University, USA

‘Hats Off! to Barth, Berrick, Jonson-Reid, Garcia, Greeson, Gyourko and Drake (with Dill-Word) for an outstanding, clear and engaging overview of the complexities and challenges of contemporary child welfare. Understanding Child Welfare (2026) authored by preeminent and emergent child welfare scholars offers fresh perspectives for seasoned practitioners as well as those just entering this critical area of service.’

• ContentsPreface1 Understanding the aims and tensions of child welfare services 2 Pursuing safety: Understanding harm, trauma, andinterventions in families 3 Foster care and beyond: Pathways, practices, and permanency4 Child welfare and the challenge of difference: Universalism,accommodation, and reform 5 Adolescents in child welfare: Distinctive pathways, services,and outcomes6 Will the kids be alright? CWS and the unfinished work ofprotection and beyond 7 Child welfare myths and misunderstandings 8 Workforce dynamics in child welfare: Investing in the peoplewho protect children 9 Looking ahead: Toward a smaller, smarter, stronger childwelfare system References