Many child welfare terms are subject to interpretation. The Glossary identifies commonly held definitions for terms that can be found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website or in products and materials developed by external entities (e.g., Federal or State Agencies or other reliable organizations). When noted, Information Gateway is cited as the source. The Glossary also provides common acronyms and includes links to information on major Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
vicarious trauma
An occupational challenge for people working and volunteering in the areas of victim services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, and other allied professions that is due to their continuous exposure to victims of trauma and violence. (U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime)
visa
An official authorization permitting entry into and travel within a particular country or region. When an orphan enters the United States with an immigrant visa, he/she is usually considered to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States, not a U.S. citizen, depending on the type of visa. Also see IR-3 Visa and IR-4 Visa. (Adapted from U.S. Department of State)
visitation
Scheduled contact among a child in out-of-home care and his or her family members. The purpose of visitation is to maintain family attachments, reduce the sense of abandonment that children may experience during placement, and prepare for permanency. While many child welfare professionals use the term "visitation," the Children's Bureau prefers the use of the term “family time.”
vital record
Records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, wills, and the like. These records are created by local authorities, with possible exceptions for events overseas, in the military, or in the District of Columbia. (Adapted from the National Archives)
voluntary adoption registry (See reunion registry.)