NANA SAYS SOCIAL WORKERS CAN HELP CHILDREN

As a tribute to National Social Work Week 2013 in Canada, it made me pause and reflect about the role when it comes to children. By helping children to navigate childhood, there is a possibility to grow into fine adults. Where would you find children and social workers? Child Welfare agencies with a mandate to protect child from physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect are some. Family therapy clinics, youth and child clinics, special needs services, school crisis teams, bereavement services, hospital- pediatric, postpartum and NICU-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to name the major places that come to mind. If mothers and fathers are assisted in their parenting, then children have a better chance. If children that need services are allowed to process their feelings through counselling, play therapy, music therapy, art therapy or other activities that build self-esteem and validate the person, it helps everyone long term. Of course not every child needs a social worker! But we are there if we are needed!