Critical theory as a framework for child welfare decision-making: Some possibilities

Child welfare workers daily make difficult, high-risk decisions regarding the lives of children and families. This article critiques two predominant perspectives informing child welfare decision-making and proposes critical theory as an alternative framework. Specifically, critical theory as a framework for child welfare decision integrates the insight gained through practice experience with data gathered through empirically driven assessment tools. With this integration, critical theory also highlights the importance of deconstruction, critical thinking, and reflection when responding to the complex cases in child welfare.