Foster Care Pilot Project

Service 

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) of Code of Ethics (2017) states that social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Children in foster care are in need of multiple services, whether it means mental health services, physical needs services or any other services related to their well-being needs. The standardized assessment taken at the initial start of Foster Care will show what services are needed. 

Social Justice

Challenging social injustice and advocating to human rights is the responsibility of social workers. It is the duty of a social worker to pursue social change by working with particularly with vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people or by representing them. The NASW Code of ethics (2017) states "social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people." Providing an assessment when children first enter Foster Care is the needed information to further assist the children of Foster Care. 

Dignity and Worth of the Person

The NASW Code of Ethics (2017) explains social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person while seeking to enhance clients' capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Worth of a person is being mindful of different backgrounds from which these children come and evaluating their needs. The assessment must be sensitive to backgrounds of all children.  

Individual and Family Well-being: Ensure Healthy Development for All Youth

"Each year, more than six million young people receive treatment for severe mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. Strong evidence shows us how to prevent many behavioral health problems before they emerge. By unleashing the power of prevention through widespread use of proven approaches, we can help all youth grow up to become healthy and productive adults." Administering a standardized assessment at the start of Foster Care for children will detect any mental, emotional, or behavior problems and by providing the proper treatment will prevent any additional issues from emerging.