Foundations for Anti-Racist Social Work Practice

This workshop seeks to inspire participants, especially those who work in institutions that historically produce racial disparities, such as the child welfare, criminal justice, education, financial, medical, and housing systems, to think differently about their roles and take necessary action to undo biased practices.

A synopsis of the social work profession's history in fighting for clients' rights to self-determination and justice will be covered. Social workers are policy entrepreneurs, change agents, and gate keepers and it is important to understand, critique and challenge the history of the social work profession and its impact on racial disparities in the United States.

A review of popular practice frameworks and theories will be detailed. Participants will be encouraged to engage in self-evaluation to select and apply unbiased assessment and "antiracist" intervention skills to improve service delivery and client outcomes in multi-systems practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The last hour of the presentation will be Q&A.