Utilizing Personal Stories of Race in Child Welfare Education

Authors

• Laura D. Boltz, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Veronica Knowles, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Amari Cooper, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Families of color are overrepresented in the child welfare system. This is an issue that needs to be addressed in multiple ways, including social work education. However, policy changes may make it more difficult to address race in the classroom in a way that doesn’t attract attention. One of the ways that educators can address this is by using personal stories from their own practice experience to educate their students. In this study we discuss the literature around using personal stories and include our own personal stories that we have used in the classroom to have difficult discussions surrounding race and child welfare.

Recommended Citation

Boltz, Laura D.; Knowles, Veronica; and Cooper, Amari (2025) "Utilizing Personal Stories of Race in Child Welfare Education," Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://spark.bethel.edu/jiswpr/vol1/iss1/2

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