Stephen Cummings

As social workers, we may detect a few layers of implied meaning in this statement. First: In this instance, social work practice is presumed to function as a mere cog to further larger policy goals. Second:  those policy goals run counter to ethical practice. Third: that these policy goals may not be deeply considered (the “or something” in this statement). Foster care is a part of a complex system of child and family support, not an ends to a means (in this case, attempt to deter immigration by breaking families apart).

Earlier this summer, our #MacroSW chat focused on the ongoing crisis of U.S. Immigration Policy. Specifically, we discussed the humanitarian crisis of separating children from their families. Regardless of political affiliation…