This text proposes corrective action to improve the institutional care of African American children and their families, calling attention to the specific needs of this population and the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped its experience within the child welfare system. The authors critique policy and research and suggest culturally targeted program and policy responses for more positive outcomes.
- Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1. Cultural Adaptation in Effective Child Welfare Practice with African Americans
- A Cultural Adaptation Framework
- The New Adaptation Perspective
- Reforming Child Welfare Through Cultural Adaptation
- Cultural Adaptation and Policy
- Cultural Adaptation and Practice
- Cultural Adaptation and Research
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- 2. Child Welfare in Perspective: Historical Factors Influencing African American Families and Policy Formulation
- Sociopolitical Factors
- The Effect of Social and Political Factors on Policy
- National Child Welfare Reform Movement
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- 3. Child Welfare Policy and the African American Family
- Child Welfare Policy in Context
- Child Welfare Policy Framework
- Overview of Major Child Welfare Policy and Laws
- Cultural Adaptations for African American Children in Child Welfare
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Research
- References
- A Case Study: Cultural Adaptation and Services - The Davis Family
- 4. Safety and Protection
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Child Welfare System Components
- Cultural Adaptations in Support Services for African American Families
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- 5. Permanence for Children
- Defining Permanence
- Values Associated with Permanence
- The Continuum of Permanence Options
- Permanency Options
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- 6. Child and Parent Well-Being
- Health and Mental Health Disparities Affecting African American Children
- Behavioral Health Care and the Foster Care System
- Vulnerabilities Faced by African American Children
- Education
- Crime and Juvenile Justice Involvement
- The Well-Being of Parents and Caregivers
- Practice Considerations and Cultural Adaptations for Increasing Child and Family Well-Being
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- A Case Study: Cultural Adaptations and Research Initiatives - From Kinship Research to Kinship Programming
- 7. Cultural Adaptation and Research
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Determining Effective Interventions for African American Children and Families
- Advocacy Research
- Performance-Based Research
- Summary and Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
- Activities for Ongoing Learning
- References
- 8. Meeting the Challenges to Bring About Change
- The Importance of a Cultural Adaptation Perspective in Improving Child Welfare Conditions
- The Challenge to Social Work Educators
- The Role of Social Work Education in Implementing Planned Change
- The Challenge to Child Welfare Advocates and Policy Practitioners
- The Challenge to Social Work Practitioners
- The Challenge to Students of Social Work
- References
- Glossary
- Index