BACW is interested in hearing from you. If you have a question regarding organizing faith-based initiatives, leadership development, issues concerning cultural competence, issues pertaining to child welfare, dilemmas or problems, ASK BACW.

We will post your questions and answer them as thoroughly as possible. Our goal is to not only answer your questions, but to open the lines of communication between black administrators throughout the country, share experiences, voice concerns and unite as a strong force on behalf of African American children and their families.

Send your question to us at: bacw@blackadministrators.org

Q: My agency in New London, CT is finding the Department of Children and Families lacks the skills to function as a collaborative with the private sector to place African-American children in African-American/Minority homes. What has your association found to be successful in a state such as Connecticut?

A: Thank you for contacting BACW. Unfortunately this is a nationwide problem. The field of adoptions has always been controlled by white social workers who have enjoyed doing what they do for years. They aren't willing to give up control of this part of child welfare. These are usually people who have been with the agency doing adoptions for long periods of time. They have set policy and created practice standards that have failed to get our children adopted by African American families. Remember, private agency adoptions as well as public agency adoption programs were not created to serve African American children and families. The bottom line is that the Dept. of Children and Families in CT like other places have difficulty giving up control to collaborate with private sector agencies even to place African American children in African American homes. They will place them in the white homes that they recruit first.

I am not sure of what has been successful in states like Connecticut. What is your relationship with the Department? You need outside help, like BACW, to work with the Child Adoption Resource Association and the Department together to make this happen. We have experts in recruiting African American homes for African American children. We also offer "Training and Support for Other-Race Foster/Adoptive Caregivers of African American Children in the Child Welfare System." Please let us know if we can be of further assistance to you.

Q: Hello, I assist youth 4-18 with behavior problems. I currently have a white couple who adopted five special needs African American brother and sisters. The parents admit they have bitten off more than they can chew. They have no knowledge in the upbringing of African American children. Giving the children the awareness of self is important to the family and they don't know how. We have limited resources in Arizona, a very pro-white state. Please help!

A: We would suggest that you talk to your bosses about purchasing the BACW Training entitled "Training and Support for Other-Race Foster/Adoptive Caregivers of African American Children in the Child Welfare System." Please let us know if you need additional information or require additional assistance.