National Association of Social Workers

Organizations Extend Services Globally

Children's Agencies' Programs Work Outside the U.S.

Decades of social work experience and research are being utilized in developing countries.

By Paul R. Pace, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

Social work-supported programs in the United States have grown and branched out into an array of specialties to help those in need. As the world becomes more of a "global village" in terms of industry and technology, longtime helping organizations in the U.S. are following suit. They are taking their successful programs and know-how and imparting their knowledge to other nations.

This is particularly evident in the area of children-service organizations, where decades of social work experience and research, as well as proven procedures in assisting U.S. children and their families, are being utilized in developing countries.

Pressley Ridge is one such example. What started as a refuge for orphans 175 years ago has evolved into an innovative leader in the treatment of children who have serious emotional and behavioral problems. While Pressley Ridge offers help for children in eight states, it recently has broadened its scope to assist children in need in Hungary and Portugal.

"Expansion has allowed us to serve more children and to share the deep knowledge and experience that comes with 175 years of compassion and care," said B. Scott Finnell, president and CEO of Pressley Ridge. The organization meets the needs of these special children by offering residential services, treatment foster care, educational services and community-based programs.

Pressley Ridge uses a process called re-education, or Re-ED, "which focuses on the strengths of each child and family with the belief that it is possible to teach competence, that change is possible, and that the most significant factor in turning around the lives of seriously troubled children is the development of trusting relationships with caring, committed adults," according to Pressley Ridge's Web site.

A major step was taken in 2003 when the Pressley Ridge Institute was established to offer training, consulting and research services to children-service organizations around the world.

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From July 2007 NASW News. © 2007 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.