Foreword
The purpose of this book is to primarily to introduce the PDAK – Pusat Dukungan Anak dan Keluarga (Child and Family Support Centre). The PDAK was conceived predicated upon the concept of providing a direct response to children and families experiencing challenges in care and protection. The interventions conducted by the PDAK seek to identify solutions other than the traditional approach of placing children in institutions. The PDAK is one of the strategies adopted by Yayasan Sayangi Tunas Cilik - Partner of Save the Children and the Ministry of Social Affairs in striving to change the childcare paradigm from one that is solely focused on institutionalization towards family-based and alternative care that can be provided in the community. In this context, as mandated by the National Standards of Care for Child Welfare Organizations, childcare institutions continue to have a highly significant role to play in supporting family-based care, family-based alternative care and as the last option in the continuum of childcare.
The PDAK approach is focused on the strengths provided by professional social workers working directly with children, families, childcare institutions, Social Services Agencies, stakeholders and providers of social services in determining the best long-term courses of action to strengthen the care of children in the family. PDAK’s social workers apply clinical approaches using the case management model in their social work practice with children and families. This is also of assistance to government in fulfilling its mandate to protect children and develop an effective child-protection system.
While this book is based on a social work and child protection framework, it is equally influenced by the lessons learned and field practice conducted by PDAK. The PDAK was conceived in Bandung in October 2010, with branches being established in Yogyakarta in 2012, Cianjur in 2014, Lampung and Kupang in 2015, and in West Sumba in 2016. The book provides a reference and a guide for all involved in PDAK’s work, including case management. Of course, it can also be used as a reference in social work practice and child protection.
