Do Reasonable Efforts Require Cultural Competence - The Importance of Culturally Competent Reunification Services in the California Child Welfare System

Authors

Nell Clement

Abstract

Despite the disproportionate number of culturally diverse families represented in the California child welfare system, there exists no statutory requirement that families in crisis be provided with reunification services that are culturally competent. This note examines the evolution of the child welfare system in United States in recent decades and the current child welfare law in California. This note discusses the negative effect of removal of culturally diverse children from their families and communities and the specific aspects of the child welfare system that play a part in this removal. Clement concludes by advocating for statutory recognition of culture in the design of reunification services for families in crisis and a discussion of best practices for social workers and attorneys involved in the child welfare system.

Recommended Citation

Nell Clement, Do Reasonable Efforts Require Cultural Competence - The Importance of Culturally Competent Reunification Services in the California Child Welfare System, 5 Hastings Race & Poverty L.J. 397 (2008).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_race_poverty_law_journal/vol5/iss2/5