National Association of Social Workers

Social work roots

Children’s Bureau marks 100 years

By Paul R. Pace, NEWS Staff

Illustration by John Yanson

Imagine a time when children were considered the same as adults.

Their shoulders carried the burdens of grown-up responsibilities. Many toiled in America’s coal mines, factories and farms.

The thought of focusing attention on the well-being of the nation’s youngest citizens was a radical concept at the dawn of the 20th century.

It took the vision and determination of a group of pioneering women to bring to light a simple fact: Children have unique needs from their adult counterparts. If society was to better itself, a federal approach was necessary to help children thrive into adulthood.

From that idea the Children’s Bureau became a reality. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the federal agency whose roots are deep in social work. 

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From April 2012 NASW News. © 2012 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.