Which of the following best describes a child welfare worker's responsibility?

A child welfare worker's primary responsibility is to protect the welfare of children while ensuring the integrity of the family unit. This dual focus acknowledges the importance of both safeguarding children from harm and supporting families to remain together whenever possible, as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so. The role encompasses a variety of tasks, including assessing situations of potential abuse or neglect, providing resources for families, and coordinating services that promote the well-being of children.

This approach is grounded in the understanding that a stable family environment is beneficial for a child’s development and well-being. When interventions are necessary, child welfare workers aim to work collaboratively with families, seeking to strengthen parental skills and address underlying issues rather than simply removing children from their homes.

The other options fall short of accurately capturing the breadth and nuance of a child welfare worker's responsibilities. Focusing solely on independent work, enforcing parental rights, or avoiding legal involvement does not align with the multi-faceted role of these professionals, who must navigate complexities of family dynamics, legal frameworks, and social support systems.