The reproduction of anti-black racism within child welfare

This research study explores the reproduction of anti-black racism within child welfare. The study draws on literature that discuss the experiences of black families within care and the ways in which anti-black racism is perpetuated by child protection services. The literature also discusses the over representation of black children in care by drawing on the past and present discrimination and oppression of black folks as a primary root of such disparity within the system. This research study then moves on to introduce anti-black racism theory and critical race theory as lenses that will frame and guide the discussions on the experiences of black families within child welfare. The study includes an in-depth interview with an East African Canadian child welfare survivor whose narrative provides insight into how black folks are engaged by the system. The study found that this black family continues to face many barriers within child welfare as a result of not only anti-black racism but also the perpetuation of whiteness and white supremacy that continues to guide child welfare practice.