This chapter focuses on two of the most important aspects of children’s lives: their families, and educational settings. It applies the ecological systems theory that you read about in Chapter 1 to these relationships and settings. In addition, you will learn about child welfare programs, the impact of poverty on children, and human services programs that are based in schools.

Standard 7 reminds us that as human services professionals we must ensure that our values and biases are not imposed on clients. Many of us are passionate about protecting children, but we must remember that parents and educators are also deeply invested in caring for the children in their lives. Although we may have different viewpoints, it is important to recognize the responsibility that parents and educators each have for children, and to help them solve life’s problems using their strengths and support systems.

7.1.2 References

National Organization for Human Services. (2015). Ethical standards for human services professionals. https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals