Selecting children, youth, and families as my specialization has ignited a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to effecting positive change. Below, I will discuss how I plan to display my knowledge of CRT/I from specialized training.
Declaration of Specialization
In my work with children, youth, and families, I use a 'Strengths Perspective,' which fosters clients' strengths and creates a collaborative relationship. In nexus with the Person-in-environment framework, it allows us to dig deeper into clients' systems, communities, and relationships (Finn, 2016). Therefore, it is essential to focus on the present concerns and determine what is currently working for them. In practice, I help clients build their capacity for self-regulation, self-reflection, and their understanding of self-determination. Yet, I recognize the importance of incorporating and advocating for social justice into practice in my school community and beyond. To advance racial justice in my work, I utilize the concepts of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality. CRT/I aids me in critiquing and assessing the social determinants of mental health heavily associated with social inequalities that impact youth and their families. Accordingly, I can examine structural and environmental factors that shape individuals' experiences. A CRT lens enables me to interrogate how systemic and structural factors influence practice interactions. For example, I can be conscious of how intimidating assessment may be for families of color or other vulnerable populations. Therefore, considering structural disadvantages minimizes the risk of perpetuating color-evasive interventions that may result in disparities in family separation with children, youth, and families of color.
As a CRT-informed practitioner informed by social work ethics, I remain committed to my clients' self-determination and advancing social justice.
Ethical Considerations
I value the importance of human relationships (NASW, 2021), emphasizing teamwork rather than pressuring individuals. In practice, this means engaging the children and families through collaborative goal setting, which creates meaningful and realistic change. In my current internship in the Department of Children and Family Services, there is a family reunification case where the children are residing with their grandmother as their maternal mother was removed from her parental rights and needed to complete a list of court-ordered requests in order to regain custody. This case sounds simple, but it has been challenging for the mother to complete her requests from the court (monitored visitations, parenting classes). We value and understand the dignity of this individual; however, it is crucial to validate the client's right to self-determination (NASW, 2021). Despite understanding that her actions can lead to non-reunification, there has to be a line of respect for this individual's choices. Through the principles of Responsibility to the Client and Practice Settings, we, as ethics-informed professionals, emphasize the importance of respecting clients' rights and choices in her case. Valuing this commitment, we advocated for additional months of service from the court to address any barriers hindering the mother from completing her services. By aligning our actions with ethical standards and maintaining a client-centered approach, we strive to promote the client's well-being while upholding professional integrity and values (NASW, 2021).
This specialization has taught me to understand its critical application to clients. As an incoming social worker, I will advocate for inclusivity, spread awareness of oppression, and pursue social change.
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References
Finn, J. (2016). Just thinking: Theoretical perspectives on social Justice-oriented practice. In Just practice: A social justice Approach to Social Work (3rd, pp. 94-186). Oxford University Press.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics: English. https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics/code-of-ethics-englishLinks to an external site.