Responses to the questions
Overall, the course readings and my personal experiences suggest that much attention should be paid to the problems of at-risk families. In this case, one should refer to those households that can be affected by such adverse factors as poor living conditions, low income level, disability of parents, unemployment, and so forth (Eisenstadt, 2011, p. 39).
This is one of the main issues that should be considered by educators and social workers. As a rule, these professionals focus on the need of families with children whose development can be significantly impaired if no support is offered to these households.
Policy-makers apply the concept of risk when developing early childhood programs. In particular, they focus on the ability of parents to take care of children. As a rule, they attach importance to such criteria as educational opportunities, relations between parents and children, housing conditions, and other indicators which can be used to determine whether the need of children can be met by parents (Gray et al. 2009).
If a family does not reach certain standards set by the government, it is considered to be at risk. Apart from that, one should remember about such threats alcoholism, substance addition, or domestic violence since each of them can adversely affect a child or a teenager (Eisenstadt, 2011).
On the whole, social workers strive to ensure their mental, social, and physical development of children or adolescents (McArthur & Thomson, 2011). This is one of the main aspects that can be identified.
It is important to mention that social workers often should act as educators in order to assist at-risk children. For example, they can tell parents how they can protect their children from such threats as early pregnancy, drug abuse, alcoholism, or participation in criminal activities.
Moreover, they can explain adults how they can develop parenting skills. There are some of the main tasks that can be identified. If these goals are achieved, a great number of problems can be managed effectively.
Comments on the posts of other students
It is possible to say that the posts of other students throw light on the importance of working with at-risk families. Their comments contain both personal reflection and analysis of the academic literature showing that social workers and educators can play a vital role in helping families that can be affected by alcoholism, addiction, or abuse.
Apart from that, other learners were able to identify some of the main tasks that social workers should do. One of them is to observe children’s behavior and detect possible risks at an early state. In my view, such approach to this problem enables various professionals reduce a great number of threats to the wellbeing of children.
Moreover, the posts of other students indicate at the importance of creating partnerships between at-risk families, educators, and social workers. These stakeholders should not perceive each other as stakeholders because this approach is not productive.
On the whole, the posts of other learners indicate that a great number of threats such as unemployment, alcoholism can be minimized if parents and educators join their efforts and share their concerns with one another. In my opinion, this strategy is helpful for avoiding various risks because it makes parents more informed about the physical, mental, and social development of children.
Reference List
Eisenstadt, N. (2011). Think Family: A new approach to families at risk, Family Matters, 87(1), 37-42.
Gray, M., Edwards, B., Hayes, A. & Baxter, J. (2009).The impacts of recessions on families. Family Matters (83)1, 7-14.
McArthur, M. & Thomson, L. (2011). Families views on a coordinated family support service. Family Matters, 89(12), 71- 81.