Social workers seek to challenge inequality and disadvantage, promote social justice and advocate for resources and opportunities for individuals, groups and communities (Burke and Harrison, 2009, as cited in Teater, 2010, p.11). Although a wide range of programs and policies from government is necessary, support and contributions from other areas are also required, including volunteer and charitable organizations, businesses, faith groups and family and friends. A community with a rich array of services, such as parenting groups, high quality and affordable child care, and a good transportation system, enhances the ability of families to nurture and protect their children. Informal support networks, safety, and recreational facilities are also important in supporting healthy family functioning.
Social workers have a duty under legislation such as the Children Act 1989 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need and to investigate whether a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. Despite uncertainty, social workers must decide whether a child is safe, whether a child should be removed from his or her home, whether to provide additional supports to a family, and how to engage with a family to facilitate positive change for a child. These everyday decisions can dramatically affect the lives of children and their families. Increasingly, child protection practice has turned to objective or evidence-based knowledge to augment the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of these decisions (Stokes, & Schmidt, 2012). .
The impact of child maltreatment is far greater than its immediate, visible effects. Abuse and neglect are associated with short and long-term consequences that may include brain damage, developmental delays and learning disorders, problems forming relationships, aggressive behavior, and depression. Survivors of child abuse and neglect may be at greater risk for problems later in life - such as low academic achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy, and criminal behavior that affect not just the child and family, but society as a whole.