Socially constituted understandings and constructions of family play a crucial role in how child welfare is realized. The prevailing cultural norms and values that shape our perceptions of family can influence the policies and practices of child welfare agencies and the decisions they make about how to intervene in families.
For example, if the dominant cultural understanding of family emphasizes the nuclear family structure as the ideal, child welfare agencies may prioritize keeping children within that structure even if it might not be in the child’s best interest.
This concept applies to how foster care, group homes, adoption and other alternative means of child care approaches are operated. These understandings and constructions are influenced by cultural norms, values, and beliefs about what constitutes a “good” family, which can vary depending on the cultural, historical, and social context.
For example, in Western societies, the nuclear family structure consisting of a father, mother, and children is often seen as the ideal, and child welfare policies and practices may prioritize keeping children within this structure.
In contrast, in some Indigenous cultures, the extended family and community are considered an essential part of the family unit, and child welfare interventions may involve working with the extended family and community rather than solely focusing on the immediate family.
Moreover, factors such as race, class, and gender can further complicate the issue of how socially constituted understandings and constructions of family inform child welfare- this constitute the intersectionality piece.
For instance, families from marginalized communities, such as Indigenous communities, Black communities, and immigrant communities, may have different experiences with child welfare agencies due to systemic biases and cultural misunderstandings. This can result in negative consequences for families, such as unnecessary removal of children from their homes, which can have long-lasting effects on both children and parents.
It is crucial for child welfare agencies to be aware of and sensitive to the diverse understandings and constructions of family that exist within the communities they serve. By taking a more inclusive and culturally responsive approach, child welfare agencies can better support families in need and help ensure the well-being of children.
This can involve working with families and communities to understand their values and beliefs about family, involving them in decision-making processes, and providing culturally appropriate services and supports.
