DSW Showcase Student Presentation

This capstone investigates the deeply rooted historical trauma inflicted on Black families and communities by child welfare systems, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive eradication. Although efforts to implement racial equity and anti-racist frameworks have been made, the progress in reducing the overrepresentation of Black children, youth, and families within child protective services remains inadequate. The ongoing nature of this issue continues to jeopardize the well-being and stability of Black families, a threat that has persisted for generations. Addressing this multifaceted and complex problem requires equally sophisticated strategies. The first component, a systematic literature review, assesses the efficacy of current interventions—including anti-poverty initiatives, racial equity measures, and implicit bias training—that are being implemented across various jurisdictions to confront this enduring challenge. The second component, a conceptual paper, examines this issue through the lenses of Black Feminist Theory and Critical Race Theory to develop an integrated framework to address racial disproportionality through an intersectional lens. The third component, a practice application paper, expands upon the integrated framework proposed in the conceptual paper, offering guidance for agencies to incorporate within their child protective service programs. Together, these three components provide a comprehensive approach to confronting this issue by identifying its roots, analyzing it from a theoretical standpoint, and ultimately addressing it by formulating innovative strategies. Moreover, adopting integrated frameworks that blend traditional interventions with contemporary technological advancements.