Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 6 July 2011
Cecilia, Ayón
The number of Latino families involved with the public child welfare system has increased exponentially in the last decade. This qualitative study examined one of this population’s inherent resources – their social network – and the role it plays when involved with the public child welfare system. Findings reveal that Latino families rely heavily of their network for emotional support, advice/information, and advocacy. Often parents received incorrect or conflicting information or advice grounded on experiences that were very different from the participant’s case. In addition, their networks are homophilous; that is, limited to people who are in their same circumstances…
Research highlights: ► Latino families rely heavily of their social network for emotional support, advice/information, and advocacy. ► Parents often receive incorrect or conflicting information or advice grounded on experiences of other parents. ► Networks are homophilous which limits parents’ abilities to access formal sources of advocacy and support.