Toward a reorientation of values and practice in child welfare

The failure of the child welfare system to adequately protect and promote the best interests of children stems from social and cultural values over-emphasizing parental rights and devaluing children. This is the result of longstanding cultural norms aided by post-modernist trends. Greater emphasis on the best interests of the child and practical measures in dependency proceedings will improve case outcomes, and indirectly contribute toward a shift in cultural values. However, only effective prevention measures aimed at enhancing the crucial role of parents will have a wide-spread effect in reducing child abuse and neglect. The enunciation of basic parental standards through parental licensure and national economic policies favoring parental commitment to children are such measures.