Another Terrible Idea: Abolishing Child Welfare

Introduction

The abolition of the child welfare system has gained attention in recent years, particularly among advocates of the critical-theory Left. Dorothy Roberts, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has been a prominent voice in this movement, arguing that systemic inequities threaten the wellbeing of Black children and advocating for a system that supports families instead of policing them. This report critically examines the idea of abolishing the child welfare system, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs and Child Welfare

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to ensure the well-being and rights of all children. Goal 1 focuses on eradicating poverty, while Goal 3 emphasizes good health and well-being. These goals recognize the importance of protecting children from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, and promoting their overall welfare.

Roberts’ Perspective

Dorothy Roberts argues that dismantling the foster-industrial complex and redirecting resources directly to family members would better serve the welfare of children. However, she fails to acknowledge the potential challenges faced by these family members, such as severe substance abuse or mental illness. Roberts attributes these challenges to historical factors like slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic racism, which she claims have created intergenerational trauma.

The Impact of Abolitionist Ideas

The idea of abolishing the child welfare system gained traction in 2020, alongside calls to defund the police. While some advocates later clarified that they did not mean complete abolition or defunding, the consequences of reducing resources for child welfare have been detrimental. State child welfare systems have witnessed a decrease in the number of children in foster care, but this has also led to underreporting of child abuse and neglect. Child-maltreatment fatalities are on the rise, and many children are living in abusive and neglectful environments for longer periods.

The Invisibility of Child Welfare Breakdowns

Unlike the visible consequences of defunding the police, the breakdowns in the child welfare system often go unnoticed by the public. This invisibility allows abolitionist ideas to gain further support. For example, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work advertised positions that explicitly mentioned teaching the “abolition of child welfare,” without addressing other critical aspects of child welfare policy, such as risk assessment, child safety, and substance use in the context of child welfare services.

The Child Welfare Workforce Shortage

Every state is currently facing a shortage of child welfare workers. The profession struggles to attract qualified individuals due to low pay, the stress of dealing with severely abused and neglected children, and the constant blame placed on these workers for upholding a supposedly racist system. This negative perception discourages potential applicants and drives experienced workers away, similar to the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Conclusion

As the public becomes more aware of the detrimental effects of current child welfare policies, it is important to acknowledge the role played by organizations like the MacArthur Foundation and institutions like Loyola Chicago in promoting abolitionist ideas. However, it is crucial to critically evaluate these ideas in light of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that child welfare policies prioritize the well-being and safety of children.

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