Intersection of Kinship Care and Culture: African & Caribbean Communities in America

Kinship care is a survival strategy that has historical significance for people of African descent because it is linked to a tradition of help and a broad base of support. For African and Caribbean families, the absence of clearly identified community entry points, support structures, culturally appropriate assessment tools, and professional development focusing on these communities has resulted in the lack of significant kinship services to these populations.

In this webinar, our panel will highlight the strengths, support needs, and service models for working with kinship families in African and Caribbean communities. Information presented will include:

• Demographic profiles of these two groups
• Definition of what “kinship care” means to these populations
• Description of traditional family patterns of these populations that include cultural dynamics and norms
• Conflicts between Afrocentric and Eurocentric perspectives on kinship care
• Identification of the best access points (locations and persons) for engagement and services that are culturally responsive to these kinship families
• Suggestions for reframing policy and practice for kinship services for these populations