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Challenges
BACW is facing new challenges as it continues to work toward equal representation of persons of color in leadership roles within the child welfare system. We believe that because of inadequate services, one system feeds the other. Increasingly, we find children of color are placed in the care of programs and individuals that are not compatible with the cultural, ethnic or linguistic needs of the children. As a result, many children do not develop to their fullest potential.
To combat this problem, BACW must continue to concentrate its efforts on building a strong infrastructure. We will also continue to collaborate with other organizations that share similar goals and to work toward building a better future for African American children and all children of color. We can’t do it alone. We need your help and support.
With this in mind, specific goals for the next several years include the following:
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Develop specific strategies to address the overrepresentation of African American children in out-of-home care. |
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Create structures within existing systems and agencies to analyze and address repeated re-entry problems experienced by African American children, which results in multiple placements and an ultimate sense of abandonment on the part of too many of these children. |
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Reach consensus on action steps to be taken by the African American leadership in creating new structures and providing policy directions to the African American community and larger child welfare system, to substantially alter or ameliorate current trends and practices. |
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Increase the number of African Americans in key leadership positions within the child welfare system. Although the African American child is disproportionately represented in the child welfare system, the reverse exists for those in management positions in the system. |
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Establish the BACW as a separate organization from the CWLA, moving forward with a new organization and transitioning toward autonomy. |
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Increase membership so that our efforts are more far reaching, have an even stronger voice and impact in the child welfare system and to share experiences, knowledge and ideas so that we may better serve African American children and families. |
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