A Black feminist approach for caseworkers intervening with Black female caregivers: Casework with Black Females. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Lani V.; Mountz, Sarah E.; Trant, Jeff; Quezada, Nelia M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of public child welfare. Volume 14:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 411
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Black Feminism -- Case Work -- Black Female Caregivers -- Social Work; Child welfare -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.70973
• DOI: 10.1080/15548732.2019.1621234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8732

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The disproportionate representation of Black children in the child welfare system, and its implications for Black female caregivers, must be understood through a critical perspective that considers their historical, social and cultural context. It has been posited that Black feminist philosophy and ideology may be a useful perspective for understanding risk factors that contribute to the disproportionate numbers of Black women who are involved in the child welfare system. Additionally, this perspective offers a practice framework that assists child welfare caseworkers to effectively engage, assess, and intervene with Black women and their families. In this article, we provide a brief overview of Black women's disproportionate involvement in the child welfare system through a historical-trauma lens, review existing child welfare casework practice models, and discuss the need for an engagement in child welfare public consciousness for Black female caregivers. Further, we propose a culturally relevant casework practice model grounded in Black feminist principles. A case vignette is provided.