Challenges of Social Work Practice with Children and Families in Goergia

Abstract

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the systems for delivering services tochildren by various state agencies in Georgia. It includes the results of an assessment that focuses on the specifics of service delivery in social work with children andfamilies, as well as the systemic challenges and difficulties faced by social workers.The purpose of the assessment is to improve the quality of social work. It contributesto the development of social work practice in Georgia by addressing key issues such aschild care, child well-being, support for children and parents, and interagencycoordination. The assessment considered 23 criteria, defined based on internationalexperience and adapted to the local context. It is based on case studies, individualinterviews, and working meetings in both small and extended working group formats.The assessment was conducted in 2024 as part of the European Union project"Support to the Justice Sector Reform in Georgia."Despite significant steps taken in recent years to develop child and family assessmentmechanisms in state agencies, strengthen practitioners' capacities, and improveservice delivery, the systems still face many recognized and unrecognized challenges.Children often interact simultaneously with several state agencies, including thoseresponsible for child protection, family support, education, crime prevention, justice,and more—at both state and municipal levels, as well as in the non-governmentalsector. Frequently, the same child becomes the subject of intervention by multiplestate bodies, which, instead of mobilizing support and resources in the best interestsof the child, hinders coordination and the provision of child-centered services. Inmany cases, this can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for both the child andthe family. Furthermore, it leads to inefficient use of state and non-state resources.In this process, the social worker plays a central role in planning and delivering child-centered services. Social work should serve as the foundation for improvedinteragency coordination and the provision of integrated support tailored to thechild’s needs. However, there are significant challenges in this area. The report provides a critical analysis of the difficulties and challenges in social workthat arise during interactions with children and families. It raises several key issuesdirectly related to optimizing the implementation of social work, specifically:The report reviews the main challenges and development needs of the assessmentprocess carried out with the involvement of social workers in the child protectionsystem. It emphasizes improving the quality of the assessment process and increasingthe engagement of the child as a client. It also examines state efforts aimed atstrengthening the role of the parent(s) as central and difficult-to-replaceactors—efforts that often fall short of achieving the desired goal: raising the child in asafe and supportive family environment conducive to their development and well-being.The report highlights the need to strengthen the professional supervision system,which would enhance assessment accuracy and ensure adherence to professionalstandards. It underscores the necessity to improve the process of forming conclusionsfrom assessments and refine case management practices. Additionally, it discusses theneed for standardizing the description of interventions.A significant emphasis is placed on promoting the protection of children's interestsand improving interagency cooperation. At the systemic level, the quality of childinterest protection remains below the desired standard, pointing to the need forimproved institutional and professional frameworks.Special attention is given to the clear definition of the professional role of the socialworker, their involvement in systemic changes, and the bureaucratic barriers thathinder the realization of their professional autonomy. The presented findings and recommendations aim to optimize the social work system,enhance child protection, and ensure the provision of high-quality services tochildren.