The SAD pandemic is real. Sexual Violence, Addictions, and Domestic Violence (SAD) result in too many children in care yearly, aging out to different systems such as prison, employment and income assistance programs, mental health institutions, drug rehabilitation, and homelessness. Are we going to allow the cycle to continue for generations?

We all have a role to play to help save the children from SAD. The authors had an objective perspective on the child welfare system, having been social scientists and or involved in social work. They assessed, analyzed, and diagnosed the possible root causes of the increasing number of children and family involved in the child welfare system. Going back and looking at child welfare in the past and what it has become in contemporary practice, the authors were able to identify that SAD is what needs to be the main focus if we are to see better results for the children entering and exiting the child welfare system.

Realizing that the future is at risk as a result of the SAD pandemic, there is a need for positive change. The authors explored possible solutions to the SAD pandemic in hopes of finding a cure or treatment. We are therefore on a quest to replace SAD with joy. By suggesting practical steps and giving recommendations on how to break the inter-generational cycle, we hope to get everyone to take action.

It's time for us to eradicate SAD and replace it with joy.