Nurturing Change: Fostering Support for Black Youth, Families, & Staff in the Child Welfare System
As we work together to navigate the child welfare system, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Black youth and families. The challenges faced by the Black community today are multifaceted, from the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion to the erasure of Black history in educational curricula, libraries, and beyond. These issues not only affect one’s sense of identity but also impact their mental and emotional well-being. As an organization dedicated to creating a positive impact, we recognize the need to provide unwavering support.
As allies, our commitment to supporting Black youth, families, and colleagues extends beyond Black History Month. Here are actionable steps we can take to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment:
Stay Informed – regularly educate yourself on issues affecting the Black community and be aware of local and national policies that may disproportionately impact Black youth and families. We must consistently provide high-quality services to our Black youth and families as an organization.
Advocate and Align – Stand with our Black youth and families who feel the dangers of being Black all around them and support our staff, youth, and families’ mental health. Also, do not hesitate to advocate when you observe unequal treatment, such as excluding or devaluing someone’s ideas, voice, or contributions compared to others.
Engage in Conversations – foster open and honest conversations with SAFY and communities creating spaces where all individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives. Lean into what might make us uncomfortable. Don’t know how to engage with one of your black foster parents? Lean in and ask questions. If you don’t know how to write a culturally individualized treatment plan for a Black youth, lean in; SAFY has fabulous clinicians from all backgrounds and walks of life who have this experience, so seek out assistance. If you don’t know how to have a difficult conversation with a peer, direct report, or supervisor, lean in, be courageous, and be receptive to other points of view and lived experiences.
Celebrate! – acknowledge and celebrate various cultural heritage events throughout the year, highlighting our contributions to society and reversing the attempt to erase or exclude our traumatic past. Always remember that the best way to celebrate Black History Month or any marginalized group is to integrate DEI principles into all aspects of our work seamlessly. DEI should not be a standalone initiative; it should be woven into everything we do, recognizing the shared humanity in each of us, giving voice to all, and fostering inclusivity across the board.
Remember, our commitment to supporting Black youth and families is ongoing. We contribute to a more resilient and empowered community by actively engaging in these actions. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and work to dismantle any form of systemic oppression.
