Cross-Cultural Practice Considerations in Working with Asian Children and Youth Involved in the Child Welfare System

Introduction:

Asians are the fastest growing ethnic minority in Canada and the United States. The Asian population has a diversity of needs. However, Asian children and families are an under-studied population in child welfare research. This study aimed to understand the unique needs of Asian children and youth who are involved in the child welfare system, and how to provide culturally responsive service for this population.

Method:

This study used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit insights and responses from 4 micro focus groups with child welfare workers at two purposive sampled child welfare agencies in a large urban centre. The focus groups lasted on average 1.5 hours. The focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The total sample was comprised of 18 ethnically diverse child welfare workers. Data analysis was conducted through a series of iterative phases involving holistic coding, structural and descriptive coding, and thematic analysis.

Results:

Focus group participants provided cultural context to the service decisions and interventions in working with Asian children, youth and their families. Key themes that emerged from the data was a misconception of child welfare among Asian communities, language barriers limits the ability to recruit and train Asian families for foster homes and kinship homes, Asian children and youth in out-of-home placements encounter model minority stereotypes, and Asian children and youth needs child welfare professional to act a cultural brokerage.

Conclusion and Implications:

The study found unique needs to be considered in working with Asian children, youth, and their families involved in the child welfare system. The child welfare system needs to be aware and responsive to cultural and linguistic differences, particularly for Asian children and youth in-out-of home placement. Some practice implications include community outreach and public information sharing about child welfare, cultural training and consultation for the child welfare workforce, and customized practice approaches that focuses on strengths and potential in Asian children and youth involved in the child welfare system.