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.

Ramona W. Denby is professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, School of Social Work.

Carla M. Curtis is associate professor at the Ohio State University College of Social Work.

Preface
Introduction
1. Cultural Adaptation in Effective Child Welfare Practice with African Americans
A Cultural Adaptation Framework
The New Adaptation Perspective
Reforming Child Welfare Through Cultural Adaptation
Cultural Adaptation and Policy
Cultural Adaptation and Practice
Cultural Adaptation and Research
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
2. Child Welfare in Perspective: Historical Factors Influencing African American Families and Policy Formulation
Sociopolitical Factors
The Effect of Social and Political Factors on Policy
National Child Welfare Reform Movement
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
3. Child Welfare Policy and the African American Family
Child Welfare Policy in Context
Child Welfare Policy Framework
Overview of Major Child Welfare Policy Laws
Cultural Adaptations for African American Children in Child Welfare
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
A Case Study: Cultural Adaptation and Services—The Davis Family
4. Safety and Protection
Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Welfare System Components
Cultural Adaptations in Support Services for African American Families
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
5. Permanence for Children
Defining Permanence
Values Associated with Permanence
The Continuum of Permanence Options
Permanency Options
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
6. Child and Parent Well-Being
Health and Mental Health Disparities Affecting African American Children
Behavioral Health Care and the Foster Care System
Vulnerabilities Faced by African American Children
Education
Crime and Juvenile Justice Involvement
The Well-Being of Parents and Caregivers
Practice Considerations and Cultural Adaptations for Increasing Child and Family Well-Being
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
A Case Study: Cultural Adaptations and Research Initiatives—From Kinship Research to Kinship Programming
7. Cultural Adaptation and Research
Evidence-Based Practice
Determining Effective Interventions for African American Children and Families
Advocacy Research
Performance-Based Research
Summary and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Activities for Ongoing Learning
References
8. Meeting the Challenges to Bring About Change
The Importance of a Cultural Adaptation Perspective in Improving Child Welfare Conditions
The Challenge to Social Work Educators
The Role of Social Work Education in Implementing Planned Change
The Challenge to Child Welfare Advocates and Policy Practitioners
The Challenge to Social Work Practitioners
The Challenge to Students of Social Work
References
Glossary
Index