Strengthening Child and Family Systems in Georgia

Salome Namitcheishvili — 2024-11-13

The social work profession took root in Georgia during the latter half of the 20th century,
primarily in response to the need for reform in child welfare. Significant milestones include
the establishment of professional social work association, the inception of social work
academic programs, and the enactment of Georgian laws specifically pertaining to social
work. Development of social work practice has extended into various areas, including
child welfare, education, and justice. Collaboration among professionals, state entities,
and international donors has been instrumental in advancing both social work education
and practice, ensuring alignment with global standards.

Despite facing numerous challenges, it is important to underscore the various
achievements highlighted in the presentation titled "Strengthening Child and Family
Systems in Georgia," as well as in this article. This presentation was delivered on March
19, 2024, at the Social Work International Scientific & Practice-Based Conference on
Transformative Change for Child and Family Well-Being. The conference was dedicated
to the enduring memory of one of the pioneering social workers, Maya Mgliashvili, and
coincided with the Global Day of Social Work.

This article discusses the development of social work specializations within the state child
care system, unified approaches to assessing and responding to the risk of child and
adolescent suicide across all state sectors, and the modernization of social work practices
within the education system. These initiatives establish a strong foundation for advancing certain aspects outlined in the Georgian law on social work and serve as a promising
model for other countries seeking similar reforms.

environment and society

Strengthening Child and Family Systems in Georgia