Cultural Issues in Family Assessment

Resource and publications on cultural issues in family assessment.

An Approach to Strength and Risk Assessment With Multi-Cultural Guidelines
Caldwell, English, Foote, Hodges, et al. (1992)
View Abstract
An approach to risk assessment with specific multicultural guidelines.

Assessing Children and Families Who Belong to Minority Ethnic Groups
Banks (2001)
In The Child's World: Assessing Children in Need
View Abstract
Examines the definition of "minority ethnic" and discusses the implications of the assessment framework for children and families who are not White.

Assessing Parenting Behaviors Across Racial Groups: Implications for the Child Welfare System (PDF - 501 KB)
Berger, McDaniel, & Paxson (2005)
Examines whether the race of interviewers, relative to the race of families they interview, influences parenting assessments.

Would Cultural Matching Ensure Culturally Competent Assessments?
Maitra (2003)
In Studies in the Assessment of Parenting
View Abstract
Examines the dynamics of assessments conducted by professionals of the same culture as the family.

Working With African-American Families

Issues relevant to working with African-American families, including State and local examples.

African American Family Life: Ecological and Cultural Diversity
McLoyd, Hill, & Dodge (2005)
View Abstract
Perspectives on the cultural, economic, and community contexts of African-American family life.

African American Fathers and Their Involvement in the Child Welfare System
Pate (2005)
In Child Welfare for the Twenty-First Century: A Handbook of Practices, Policies, and Programs
View Abstract
Explores the involvement of African-American fathers with their children in the child welfare system.

Assessing Behavioral and Emotional Strengths in Black Children: A Measure Designed by and for Blacks (PDF - 196 KB)
Lambert & Rowan
Focal Point, 17(1), 2003
Describes the development of the Behavior Assessment for Children of African Heritage (BACAH), a strengths-based instrument.

Implementing Culturally Competent Research Practices: Identifying Strengths of African-American Communities, Families, and Children (PDF - 377 KB)
Briscoe, Smith, & McClain
Focal Point, 17(1), 2003
Methods and results of two research projects aimed at identifying strengths in African-American families and communities.

Parent and Child Relationships in African American Families
McAdoo (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of the cultural values and historical context of African-American families.

The Role of the Caseworker in Identifying, Developing and Supporting Strengths in African American Families Involved in Child Protective Services: A Practice Guide (PDF - 66 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2006)
This guide will help child protective services caseworkers identify strengths in African American families and build upon them.

The Strengths of African American Families: Twenty-Five Years Later
Hill (1997)
View Abstract
Assets and resilience of African-American families.

State and local examples

Equity: Moving Toward Better Outcomes for all of Michigan's Children (PDF - 1519 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2006)
Discusses the overrepresentation of children of color in the child welfare system in Michigan and presents recommendations for addressing this issue.

Experiences of Children of Color With Child Welfare in North Carolina
Wildfire & North Carolina Division of Social Services/Children's Services Branch (2000)
View Abstract
Presents information on the experiences of children of color in North Carolina's child welfare system and the success of the original eight Families for Kids (FFK) counties in changing the placement experiences of minority children.

Working with African-American families

Working With American Indian Families

Issues relevant to working with American Indian families.

Walking in Moccasins: Indian Child Welfare in the 21st Century
Hunt, Gooden, & Barkdull (2001)
In Innovative Practices With Vulnerable Children and Families
View Abstract
Identifies the differences between the American Indian and non-American Indian perspectives in key child welfare decisions.

Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment in Native Communities
Goodmark
ABA Child Law Practice, 24(1), 2005
View Abstract
Discussion of child maltreatment and domestic violence in American Indian communities.

Family Preservation: Concepts in American Indian Communities
Red Horse, Martinez, Day, Day, et al. (2000)
View Abstract
Reviews the historical context of family preservation policies and presents the findings of a study of the cultural competency of current practice in the American Indian community.

Indian Child Welfare Act; Receipt of Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior (2006)
This notice in the Federal Register lists the Designated Tribal Agents for service of notice under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 CFR 23.12. (PDF - 365 KB)

Parenting in Native American Families
Glover (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of issues pertinent to working with American Indian families.

Resource Guide for Indian Child Welfare Practice: Ensuring Safety and Permanence for Indian Children
Gooden & Esquibel-Hunt (2001)
View Abstract
Reviews the principles of ethical social work practice with American Indians and outlines provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Revamping Family Preservation Services for Native Families
Coleman, Unrau, & Manyfingers
Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 10(1), 2001
View Abstract
Examines the family preservation services philosophy and program structures in the context of American Indian culture.

Working With American Indian Families
North Carolina Division of Social Services and the Family and Children's Resource Program
Children's Services Practice Notes, 11(2), 2006
A brief overview of events that have affected American Indian families, a discussion of Indian culture, suggestions for complying with the Indian Child Welfare Act, and additional information about working with American Indian families.

Working with American Indian families

Working With Asian American Families

Issues relevant to working with Asian American families.

Crossing the Divide: Asian American Families and the Child Welfare System (PDF - 925 KB)
Lee & Lee (2001)
Describes traditional Asian values and explains the importance of cultural sensitivity for family preservation and child protective services.

Parent-Child Relationships in Vietnamese American Families
Cheung & Nguyen (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of issues pertinent to working with Vietnamese American families.

Parenting in Chinese American Families
Wu (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of issues pertinent to working with Chinese American families.

Parenting in Japanese American Families
Shibusawa (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of issues pertinent to working with Japanese American families.

Working with Asian American families

Working With Hispanic Families

Issues relevant to working with Hispanic families.

Beyond Cultural Competence: Language Access and Latino Civil Rights
Suleiman
Child Welfare, 82(2), 2003
View Abstract
Discusses access to linguistically appropriate services for culturally competent practice and as a civil rights issue.

Child Abuse Phrase Book: Family-Social Worker Interview Manual/Manual Bilingue Para Familias
Stresino (2002)
View Abstract
Spanish phrases that can be used during each stage of the child abuse investigation process.

Parenting in Cuban American Families
Bevin (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
The family dynamics of Cubans who migrated to the United States.

Parenting in Mainland Puerto Rican Families
Zayas, Canino, & Suarez (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
The cultural values of Puerto Rican families that have helped them cope with the stress of migration to mainland United States.

Parenting in Mexican American Families
Garcia (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Issues pertinent to working with Mexican American families.

Report: Empowerment and Latino Families.
Family Resource Coalition
Family Resource Coalition Report, 13(3-4), 1995
View Abstract
Articles and program profiles devoted to Hispanics and their families.

Working with Hispanic families

Working With Refugee/Immigrant Families

Issues relevant to working with refugee/immigrant families.

Assessing the Need, Addressing the Problem: Working with Disadvantaged Muslim Immigrant Families and Communities (PDF - 557 KB)
Cainkar 2003)
Challenges to Muslim immigrants, including cultural values.

Enhancing State Child Welfare Services for Migrating Children: BRYCS Roundtable Discussion (PDF - 687 KB)
Bridging Refugee Youth & Children's Services (2005)
Information about serving migrating children, including resources, challenges, and agency collaboration and cooperation.

Interviewing Immigrant Children and Families About Child Maltreatment
Fontes (2000)
View Abstract
Audiotape describes strategies for overcoming language barriers with immigrant children and family members.

Raising Children in a New Country: A Toolkit for Working With Newcomer Parents (PDF - 387 KB)
Schmidt (2005)
Toolkit for developing parenting services to refugee families.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for Children Under Juvenile Court Jurisdiction
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (2001)
View Abstract
Overview of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a Federal law that helps certain undocumented children in the State juvenile system obtain lawful immigration status.

Working with refugee/immigrant families

Working With Other Groups

Issues relevant to working with Caribbean and White families.

Parent-Child Relationships in Caribbean Families
Crawford-Brown & Rattray (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
How the migration process of Caribbean families affects parent-child relationships.

Parenting in European American/White Families
Hess & Hess (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Issues pertinent to working with White families.

Working with other groups