What does child-centered practice prioritize in child welfare?

Child-centered practice in child welfare emphasizes prioritizing the child's needs and perspectives. This approach recognizes that the primary focus of any intervention or service should be the well-being and best interests of the child. By centering on the child's unique experiences, feelings, and needs, professionals can create strategies and interventions that are more effective and supportive.

This perspective also acknowledges that children are not merely extensions of their families or victims of circumstance; they are individuals with their own rights, thoughts, and feelings. Involving children in discussions and decisions about their lives fosters their sense of agency and can lead to better outcomes in terms of development and emotional health. The child's voice is essential in understanding their situation and determining the most appropriate support.

In contrast, while family income levels, parental preferences, and agency policies may play roles in the broader context of child welfare, they do not capture the essence of what child-centered practice aims to achieve. Such factors often serve to highlight the challenges and systemic issues in child welfare but do not reflect the fundamental principle of placing the child's interests at the forefront of practice.