child welfare

noun

1. social work aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged children.

Word History and Origins

Origin of child welfare¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

That should motivate progress on long-standing needs such as closing the dangerously decrepit Men’s Central Jail and diverting qualified inmates to rehabilitation facilities; addressing problems in the child welfare system; and providing adequate substance abuse and mental health treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

Studies show that, compared to white mothers, Black mothers are more likely to be drug tested and more likely to be reported to CPS, with each step of involvement in the child welfare system deepening racial inequities.

From Salon

Five supervisors are nowhere near enough to properly represent the county’s 10 million constituents, who rely on the board to oversee the region’s jails, public hospitals and child welfare system, among other critical services, supporters argue.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2020, the U.S. spent more than $31.4 billion to support a child welfare system that, despite its name and good intentions, often causes irreparable damage to children and families.

From Salon

Since poverty is the leading cause of child welfare investigations and removals, reducing child poverty should also reduce these interventions.

From Salon