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Despite decades of policy reform, minoritised ethnic families continue to experience disproportionate intervention, harsher outcomes, and systemic discrimination in children’s social work.
Drawing on original qualitative research with Black and Brown mothers, this groundbreaking book reveals how racism, white dominance, and structural oppression shape their experiences in the child protection system. It introduces the SAWUBONA model – an Afrocentric, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practice framework that values Indigenous knowledge, fosters cultural humility, and centres empathetic, collaborative relationships between practitioners and service users.
Offering critical insight and a practical pathway for decolonising practice, this book is essential reading for academics and professionals in social work, education, policing, and the wider safeguarding community seeking to challenge racial disparities and embed culturally responsive approaches.
'Carlene has written an essential anti-racist text in children’s social work education and practice. With growing personal and structural racism in society, social work must be the shining light in decolonising our education and practice for racially minoritised families. SAWUBONA, I see you and will walk beside you.' Jas Sangha, Anglia Ruskin University
“Offering original insights through applications of the decolonial SAWUBONA model to nuanced case studies, this book offers practical solutions to the global crisis of the overrepresentation of Indigenous and racialised minorities in the child welfare system.' Emily Keddell, University of Otago
'With the emphasis in the SAWUBONA framework of truly seeing and valuing families, this book offers a much-needed guide to culturally sensitive child welfare work with families from racially minoritised groups.' Elsbeth Neil, University of Massachusetts
Introduction
1. Racism, tension, and complexities within the child protection system
2. Modern racism and oppression in the child protection system: an African mum perspective
3. Modern racism and oppression in the child protection system: an Asian mum perspective
4. The perils of overlooking whiteness, colonialism, and invisible white dominance in statutory children’s social work services
5. Recognising the significance of an Indigenous practice model: introducing SAWUBONA
6. Establishing an Afrocentric space for SAWUBONA in contemporary children’s social work
Conclusion