BJSW Advance Access originally published online on December 13, 2006
British Journal of Social Work 2008 38(3):476-492; doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcl370
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Black African Children and the Child Protection System
Claudia Bernard is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work in the Department of Professional and Community Education, Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research interests include how narratives of racism and gender oppression affect the way trauma ensuing from familial maltreatment is experienced, understood and named.
Anna Gupta is a lecturer in Social Work (Child Care) in the Department of Health and Social Care, Royal Holloway, University of London. She is an experienced social work academic and practitioner and worked for many years as a social worker and team manager in two London boroughs before becoming an academic. Her research interests include work with black and minority ethnic families as well as permanency planning and adoption.
Correspondence to Dr Claudia Bernard, Department of Professional and Community Education, Goldsmiths, University of London, 33 Laurie Grove, New Cross, London SE14 6NW. E-mail: c.bernard{at}gold.ca.uk
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Abstract |
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This paper explores black African children’s experiences of the child protection system in the UK. The central focus of the paper is a review of the available literature on the social circumstances and environmental influences affecting many black African families involved in the child protection system; specific parenting practices and care-giving environments; and their experiences of social work and other professional interventions aimed at safeguarding and promoting the needs of African children. This paper examines these themes to elucidate the factors that contribute to the provision of effective, culturally competent interventions with black African children at risk of significant harm. It suggests that there are a number of tensions inherent for professionals in working with culturally diverse African families such as reconciling different beliefs and behaviours concerning child-rearing practices; affirming the parenting practices of these families in the engagement process; adopting a strengths-based orientation whilst at the same time safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for practice.
Keywords: African children, child protection, cultural interpretations, child-rearing practices