Basic Issues in Coordinating Family and Child Welfare Programs

Book excerpt: This volume consists of papers delivered at two seminars of the Fels Institute of Local and State Government at the University of Pennsylvania. The first seminar considered basic issues underlying the coordination of family and child welfare services, and the second seminar discussed issues in the coordinated use of family and child welfare resources. The papers presented in this volume represent a basic analysis of major issues in the coordination of social welfare programs. Topics discussed cover the structure and framework of social welfare services and agencies, both public and private; the philosophic and legal bases for administering welfare services; the overlapping roles of agencies; the allocation of resources to achieve maximum benefits from the funds available, and the education and training of social, workers to relieve personnel shortages. Not only are the problems analyzed but solutions and suggestions are put forth to solve them. Guidelines are proposed for change and development of the social welfare field. All the contributors are distinguished in the field of social welfare, and their evaluations and suggestions are of importance to all Americans, regardless of political beliefs and affiliations. Many will find agreement with the sharp appraisals and revolutionary ideas concerning family and child welfare programs presented in these papers. Much of the dead wood is cleared away and many sacred cows are disposed of by logical and reasoned arguments directed toward over­hauling the welfare system in this country by legislative action, private means, educating the public, and developing an informed leadership. Contributors include Alfred J. Kahn and Fred Delliquadri, New York School of Social Work, Columbia University; Verl Lewis, School of Social Work, University of Maryland; Wayne Vasey, Graduate School of Social Work, Rutgers University; James R. Dumpson, Department of Welfare, City of New York, and Mary R. Baker, Council on Social Work Education.