An Integrated Model for Counselor Social Justice Advocacy in Child Welfare

Abstract

This article provides direction for counselor social justice advocacy within the child welfare system. Four primary concerns are identified: (1) racial disproportionality, (2) organizational issues, (3) the inaccessibility of adequate services for families, and (4) the recruitment and retention of foster parent caregivers. Although counselors are uniquely qualified to engage in social justice advocacy efforts, a review of the literature indicates that little research attention has been devoted to advocacy in child welfare from a counseling perspective. A distinctive social justice–oriented, integrated model for counselor advocacy within the child welfare system has been developed with consideration of the American Counseling Association’s competencies for counselor advocacy, multicultural counseling, and social justice competencies, and an advocacy model developed specifically for the child welfare system. Strategies for leadership and advocacy are explored, and ideas for future research are proposed.