The grand challenges of social work: Deaf children in the child welfare system

Deaf children involved with child welfare systems are often overlooked both in terms of tracking and service delivery. These systems frequently do not offer accessible and equitable services to deaf children. The current paper explores this in terms of the Social Work Grand Challenge: Healthy growth and development of all youth. Literature regarding child welfare services for deaf children is discussed. Recommendations are proposed for prevention and intervention efforts which will promote the healthy development of deaf children involved with child welfare systems.