When Children Weep: Integrating Ecological Thinking into Child Welfare

Child welfare systems across the country have been continuously criticized for failing to protect at-risk and abused children. It is widely recognized that improvement of child welfare systems requires a multifaceted approach, and some researchers suggest that challenges within the child welfare system are best addressed using a systems or “ecological” perspective. This article outlines important considerations in applying ecological theory in child welfare practice and uses the state of Florida as a case study to illustrate the organizational obstacles that prevent child welfare workers from using an ecological approach in service delivery. The authors conclude with recommendations for how child welfare workers can overcome those obstacles and more effectively integrate the ecological approach into child welfare practice.