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. Ramona W. Denby and Carla M. Curtis critique policy and research and suggest culturally targeted program and policy responses for more positive outcomes. The book is a must-read, well conceived and scholarly, yet contains many practical strategies for social reform. The authors succeed admirably in illustrating a framework of cultural adaptation that can be used to enhance the delivery of services to African American children and their families. Outstanding features are the articulation of relevant history and child welfare laws, and a masterful integration of policy, practice, and research.
Tony Tripodi, series editor of Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods Denby and Curtis offer an evidence-based, user-friendly blueprint for persons interested in bringing immediate and effective change to the quality of services provided to African American children and their families in the child welfare system. Engagingly written, the book highlights the integration of practice, policy, and research; provides study tools and resources such as discussion questions, recommended projects or assignments, and a glossary; makes recommendations for policy, practice, and research that can guide interventions with African American children and their families; and offers a brilliantly conceptualized and creatively executed cultural adaptation approach for serving the needs of African American families and children in the child welfare system.
Sadye L. M. Logan, University of South Carolina College of Social Work This is an extremely informative 'how to' book that provides a very comprehensive analysis of child welfare service delivery to African American children and families from historical, cultural, policy, research, and practice perspectives. Calling for the utilization of culturally adapted interventions, the authors convincingly provide the justification, challenges, and specific examples of this approach in successfully achieving the outcomes of safety, permanency, and well-being.
Ruth G. McRoy, The University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work This timely book offers new insights by systematically analyzing historical antecedents, policies, case studies, and the cultural influences that have shaped the current context in which child welfare services are delivered to African American families. Both students and experienced practitioners will find this book indispensable.
Denise Bronson, The Ohio State University College of Social Work A detailed examination of actions and policies that can improve the outcomes of minority children and their families in the child welfare field. Youth Today