Summary of Articles

Bibliography
Mallon, G. P. (2006). Busting Out of the Child Welfare Closet: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender-Affirming Approaches. Child Welfare, 115-122.

The subject of working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) children, teens and their families is virtually unrecognized by the child welfare system. In order to make changes and human service professionals to start effectively assist this population, significant changes must be made. The focus must be to embrace the child and his lifestyle and show the family that they can function to the best of their ability. The first step is acceptance and to recognize that this effects all areas of child welfare services. This will not occur unless the case manager takes them out of the “heterocentric” world.
Policies and laws must change. The government must take a step back and realize that this issue is not going away and ignoring it by worrying about the implications of funding programs to support this alternative lifestyle, will only make this population for more alienated. Agencies working with the LGBT community should look at the work those areas such as New York and San Francisco, where the youth are sheltered by local laws and acceptance of their lifestyle is tolerated. Information alone will not make a transformation. Acceptance and training must infiltrate all areas of the agency. The youth and their families must be met with understanding and guidance. There are “no quick fixes” to the issues at hand. To have a case manager educate them on issues surrounding a LGBT person may face, may make the family more at ease and take more responsibility for their own actions.
Bibliography

Rivera, H. (2002). Developing Collaborations Between Child Welfare Agencies and Latino Communities. Child Welfare, 81(2), 371-384.

Latino youth and their families are a rapidly expanding population in the child welfare system. The Latino population has grown by 57.9% since 1990 according to the 2000 Census. Case Managers must be “culturally competent” by looking at the assumptions of the Latino group. Yes, most Latino’s speak Spanish however, they may also speak Portuguese or French depending on which country they are from. Not all Latino’s are Roman Catholic. Just like anyone else, family history and various influences could determine their religion. The final assumption of all Latino’s are illegally in the United States is usually the first one would think. There are many lawful citizens and documented individuals in this country. This notion is usually based by the family’s appearance, how well they speak and past experiences.
Agencies serving this ethnic group must think outside the box when reaching out and providing services. Collaborating with the community by talking with locals, going to community centers, and stores will assist the agency to see what is really needed to help. Keeping the lines of communication open and really listening to the individuals who need the services will help develop a trust between client and the case manager. The case manager will need to learn to be more at ease being out in the community instead of the confines of their cubicle.

Beth L. Green, L. N.-C. (2008). Accessing substanse abuse treatment: issues for parents involved with child welfare services. Child Welfare, 63.

The child welfare system assists families who suffer from substance abuse in 40-80% of cases. It encompasses about 70% of child welfare funding. The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 requires parents suffering from substance abuse to fulfill their requirements to be rejoined with their children. There are multiple barriers that can hinder this process. It seems that case managers do everything in their power to help overcome these barriers, but ultimately it is the parent’s choice on whether they seek treatment.
Parents are generally seeking treatment because of a court order and a condition to be reunited with their children. They are in denial that there is a problem. Parents then feel that there is a lack of information for treatment options. Case managers must take an active role in making appointments and doing the research to find open beds in treatment centers. There are often times long wait lists, could be numerous appointments and certain conditions they must met in order to receive treatment. Fortunately, case managers have multiple resources and can be an aggressive advocate for the parent. Moms especially have a hard time seeking treatment because they are scared that they won’t be reunited with their children or their kids won’t be taken care of while they are gone.
Not having adequate funds is a huge barrier for parent’s seeking treatment. By getting help, they aren’t working and not contributing to the income of the family. If the person has a copay they may not be able to pay for it because the loss of income. Since the parent is not working, the family home could be lost. Depending on the type of job, the person could also lose their job. Women also don’t often receive support from their partner. This is unfortunate since most men receive the support they need from their loved one. Many people fight with feeling of being “left behind” from their partner who is seeking treatment. Even with these barriers, parents must use the motivation of seeing their children again to complete the treatment requirements so that parental rights aren’t termintated.