A Black feminist approach for caseworkers intervening with Black female caregivers

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.