Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 12 May 2011
Katrin, Kriz , Marit, Skivenes
This study builds on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 93 child welfare workers employed in public child welfare agencies in the United States, Norway and England, and examines their perceptions of working with racial and ethnic minority families in contrast to White service users. Almost all workers reported on differences. In the United States, workers regarded cultural pluralism as a given and considered it an inherent feature of their work, regardless of the racial and/or ethnic background of the family. Further, they identified poverty, racism, and lack of feelings of entitlement as dimensions to practicing with minority families. A few mentioned…
Research Highlights: ► Interviews with child welfare workers in U.S.A, England and Norway show that there are differences working with minority families versus White families. ► U.S. findings differ markedly from findings in England and Norway. ► U.S. workers depict minority families as profoundly disadvantaged. ► U.S. workers display a pragmatic and dynamic approach to cultural diversity and an awareness of the many issues faced by minority families. ► U.S. workers may provide tailored services and better decisions for minority families than their European counterparts.