It is deeply concerning to hear reports of social workers in child protection removing children from families without factual or legal basis. This kind of overreaching behavior not only violates the rights of parents and children but also undermines the credibility and legitimacy of child protection services.
We must recognize that while protecting children from abuse and neglect is a critical responsibility of the state, it should not be pursued at the expense of families’ fundamental rights and autonomy. Social workers must have clear evidence and legal grounds before intervening in family life and removing children from their homes. Without such safeguards, we risk perpetuating a cycle of trauma, instability, and injustice that can harm children and families for years to come.
Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that social workers receive appropriate training, supervision, and support to conduct their work with integrity, empathy, and respect. This includes adopting evidence-based practices, engaging with communities, and prioritizing prevention and early intervention over reactive measures.
We call upon policymakers, child protection agencies, and civil society organizations to hold social workers accountable for upholding the rule of law and human rights in child protection, and to strengthen the systems and resources necessary to achieve these goals. We cannot afford to tolerate arbitrary or discriminatory practices that undermine the trust and confidence of families and society in the child protection system.
