“It’s Not a System of Care”: Black Youth’s Stories of Family Separation and Anti-Black Racism in Ontario’s Child Welfare System

Abstract

The Black family unit and community plays a critical role in Black youths’ self-development, cultural socialization, and ability to navigate the impacts of structural anti-Black racism embedded in Canadian society. However, Black families are at an increased risk of separation from their children in Ontario’s child welfare system. Utilizing anti-Black racism theory, this study investigates the narratives of 27 Black Caribbean youth in the Greater Toronto Area with lived experience in out-of-home care. Using a narrative inquiry as a methodological approach, the findings reveal that Black youth in out-of-home care experienced: (1) social, psychological, and cultural isolation; (2) the disregard of their hygiene and unique hair needs and; (3) a critical conscious awareness of anti-Black racism. Recommendations for practice, research, and policy are discussed to adequately respond to the needs of Black children and their families.