Over the years the image of “the family” changed a lot due to political, historical, socio-economic, cultural, religious, demographic, social and many other influences and circumstances. It is not possible to talk about the family anymore or give an explicit universal definition, as various family forms exist in our modern society nowadays. A common term used to describe this state is “Plurality of Family forms”, meaning that family not only consists of married couples with children but also relatives, non-marital partnerships with or without children including same sex couples, marriages without children, lone parents and many more. The Family can be understood as a dynamic social system.1
In order to draw a clear picture of how Social Work in child and family services works today and what it is influenced by, it is necessary to start from the very beginning.
The first part shortly reflects on what is meant by the terms “family” and family policy.
The following two sections shall provide an insight into the German as well as the Irish history of politics and policy making for this target group.
We learn about the differences of the two systems especially in relation to policy influences on child and family service provision in connection with Social Work.
The essay concludes with a comparison of the two state’s policies.
This work’s main focus lies in contemporary policy influences on Social Work within child and family services. It can only provide a superficial overview of definitions and historical changes. However, they need to be mentioned as they embody the basis of today’s developments. It is beyond the scope of this essay to address all historical events and therefore the focus lies on the main developments from the last century until today.
1 Barabas, F. K.; Erler, Michael. 2002.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The changes of family life and family policy
1.1 Families
1.2 Family Policy
2. Ireland
2.1 Historical Developments
2.2 Relevant Acts and Policies
2.3 Social Work with families and children
2.4 The Childcare Act 1991
3. Germany
3.1 Historical Developments
3.1.1 Social Policy in the GDR and after the reunification
3.2 Social Work in child and family services
3.2.1 Social Work and Social Pedagogy – the difference
3.3 Germany’s Child and Youth Services (Kinder- und Jugendhilfe) and Youth offices embedded in the federal system
3.4 The KJHG or SGB VIII and other relevant policies
3.4.1 The act’s principles, aims and provisions
3.4.2 Endangered and delinquent young people
4. Conclusion – Contrasting major differences
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to compare and contrast the contemporary policy influences on social work within child and family services in Germany and Ireland. The central research question explores how historical developments, political frameworks, and legislative changes have shaped current service provision, the role of social workers, and the support systems for children and families in both nations.
- Historical evolution of family policy and social work in Ireland and Germany.
- Comparative analysis of child protection frameworks, specifically the Child Care Act 1991 and SGB VIII.
- The interplay between the state, religious/private bodies, and social service provision.
- Challenges in balancing family privacy with the state's duty to protect child welfare.
- Socio-political responses to modern family structures and the changing role of social workers.
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 The Childcare Act 1991
The following provisions of the Childcare Act are especially relevant in Child and Family (Protection) Services practice.
Part II deals with the promotion of the welfare of children, which allows the HSE to identify and co-ordinate information on children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Childcare and Family support facilities as well as voluntary care and accommodation for homeless children must be provided and made available.
Part III outlines the protection of children in emergencies, which in Section 12 enables the Gardaί to intervene quickly where there is an immediate and serious threat to the safety, health and welfare of a child and remove it into care of the HSE. Section 13 provides for an Emergency Care Order made by the District justice in case of evidence of serious and immediate risk for the minor. This care order can leave the child in care of the HSE for up to 8 days.
Care Proceedings are regulated in Part IV. A Care Order can be issued under Section 18 when the child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, physically or sexually abused or who is at risk. While a care order is in force, the HSE has control over the child as if it was his parent and is obliged to do what is reasonable to promote the child’s welfare. It remains in force until either the child turns 18, is successfully challenged by the parents or discharged by the court. Section 19 allows the court to make a supervision order where the child remains at home and receives periodical visits of a Social Worker. That order can last for up to a year.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of how the concept of the family has changed into a dynamic social system and establishes the focus on policy influences on contemporary social work.
1. The changes of family life and family policy: This section defines the concepts of "family" and "family policy" based on international and national perspectives, highlighting the shift toward pluralistic family forms.
2. Ireland: This chapter traces the historical development of Irish family policy, the influence of the Catholic Church and the Constitution, and the impact of key legislation such as the Child Care Act 1991.
3. Germany: This section explores the German federal system of child and youth services, detailing the historical roots and the structure of SGB VIII, including the responsibilities of the "Jugendamt".
4. Conclusion – Contrasting major differences: This chapter synthesizes the findings, comparing the two countries' approaches to family support, child protection, and the ongoing efforts to address child poverty and demographic challenges.
Keywords
Child and Family Services, Social Work, Family Policy, Ireland, Germany, Child Care Act 1991, SGB VIII, Child Protection, Welfare State, Subsidiarity, Social Pedagogy, Jugendamt, Juvenile Justice, Family Welfare, Policy Comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this document?
The document provides a comparative analysis of the policy influences and legislative frameworks governing child and family services in Ireland and Germany, examining how these have shaped social work practice in both countries.
What are the central thematic areas?
The core themes include the historical evolution of social policy, the role of child protection legislation, the structure of youth welfare services, and the professional role of social workers in supporting families.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to examine the "compare and contrast" aspect of how two different European states manage their responsibilities toward child welfare and family support within their respective legal and political systems.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study utilizes a comparative socio-political analysis, drawing on existing legislation, constitutional documents, academic reports, and historical data to contrast the development of social work systems.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the historical development of family policy in Ireland and Germany, the implementation of specific acts like the Child Care Act 1991 (Ireland) and SGB VIII (Germany), and the administrative structures like the HSE and Jugendamt.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Social Work, Child Protection, Family Policy, SGB VIII, Child Care Act 1991, and comparative social policy.
How does the German "Jugendamt" differ from Irish structures?
The Jugendamt functions as a local public social work agency within a federal structure, integrating both administration and youth services committees to include private support services, comparable yet distinct from the centralized Irish HSE model.
What is the significance of the "Child Care Act 1991" in Ireland?
It acts as the legislative cornerstone for modern child protection in Ireland, prioritizing the welfare of the child and mandating health boards (now HSE) to intervene in cases of abuse or neglect.
How did historical ideologies impact current services in the GDR and West Germany?
The GDR emphasized state-controlled, extensive childcare for workforce participation, while West Germany focused on the traditional male-breadwinner model; the current German system reflects a unification of these historical trajectories.
- Quote paper
- Nicole Bork (Author), 2007, The major policy influences on child and family services in Germany and Ireland. Comparison and contrast, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/76187
