NCJ Number
173931
Date Published
1997
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the disproportionate rate of out-of-home placement of African American children and the implications for African American families and communities.
Abstract
Participants in the first African American Child Welfare Summit, held in June 1995, identified nine specific community-focused principles essential to modifying the flow of African American children into out-of-home care: (1) active participation of the African American community in the larger community; (2) inclusion of African American children and families in a spiritually based, economically thriving community; (3) families and communities with visible family agendas and adequate supports who actively rear their children; (4) development, enhancement and transmission of positive identities and values; (5) community-based and controlled service infrastructures, with strong church involvement; (6) families and children who embrace the traditional values of hard work, respect for elders, egalitarianism in relationships, role flexibility, oral traditions, and high achievement primarily through education; (7) community acceptance of diversity; (8) high levels of community and personal accountability; and (9) community support for responsible sexual reproduction and for freedom from alcohol, chemical, and drug dependency. Appendixes, references