Myths 3 & 4: It’s Poverty not Racism! (Controlling for poverty and finding race is still a factor) & We are saving children (the White savior complex and how this harms Black and Brown children) by Center for Research to Transform Systems for Family, Community & Social Justice https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r Do you find yourself wanting to save families who are poor? If so why? If not, why? en-us 2022-01-25 16:03:55 UTC 2022-02-16 22:21:21 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319360 I'm in no position to be saving! HA. I think it is more important about helping/supporting people in the change they WANT to make.]]> 2022-01-26 19:03:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319360 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319380 how can we make the change?  How can we change our system to provide more to families in need to keep the families together?

]]> 2022-01-26 19:03:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319380 It is hard to sit with someone and just be, and not give the "solutions" to "problems" we think they have. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319489 2022-01-26 19:03:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319489 Education https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319637 We need an anti-racist educational framework with a justice-centered lens.]]> 2022-01-26 19:03:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014319637 No... because poor doesn't mean unfit. aretinapeete https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014320898 2022-01-26 19:04:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014320898 Saving, no. Listening and hearing and being present, yes. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014321156 2022-01-26 19:04:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014321156 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014321445 Poverty isn't a condition, it's a side effect of a broken system. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014321445 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322205 I think it's more about empowering families with knowledge & resources while simultaneously engaging in work toward systemic change.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:04:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322205 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322258 I think it's important to think about the family and what led to the situations. It's not a cookie-cutter method. We need to focus on connecting with resources as opposed to simply being quick to remove kids. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:04:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322258 Help not save tbrimer1 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322532 Just want children to be safe, nothing to do with being poor. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:04:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322532 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322564 I think it is about what changes they want. Not what I want. I am there to listen, provide resources and support their goals. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:04:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322564 It's all about child safety - trying to make children safe in the least restrictive environment. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322764 2022-01-26 19:05:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322764 We need to stop criminalizing poverty and we must recognize racism as a primary problem. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322813 2022-01-26 19:05:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014322813 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323013 It's hard not to offer help/support/resources when you feel you can make the situation better. But we have to realize we are meeting our own needs in doing this, not necessarily theirs.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:05:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323013 We need to stop saving children and support a family. Embrace a family. Maybe foster a family to help them be stable. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323125 2022-01-26 19:05:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323125 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323292 I practice as much as possible letting the child and family being the expert in their own lives. I am in no position to tell them how to live! My role is to support them in ways that they need. However, I recognize that I have my own internal biases and actively work to learn more about myself to not let those things seep into my work with families.]]> 2022-01-26 19:05:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323292 Poverty https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323682 I went through homelessness, so I can relate to those that are going through that. I think education is important.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:05:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323682 Yes, I want to help. And sometimes my white privilege means that I think I have solutions that somehow the family hasn't already tried. And other times, I'm so overwhelmed by the issues the family is facing, I don't know where to start. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323804 2022-01-26 19:05:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014323804 It's poverty caused by racism. Children of all colors are removed from the home for neglect caused by parents are so depressed and desperate, that they are using alcohol and drugs just to cope with poverty. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324255 2022-01-26 19:05:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324255 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324706 absolutely not, i would try to help them find more resources for the needs they have.]]> 2022-01-26 19:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324706 I want to help families who are in poverty, not necessarily to "save" them but to help. Is this the same? I feel it comes from my history of being born into poverty and now feeling that I am in a better position. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324868 2022-01-26 19:06:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324868 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324872 There's a difference between saving and supporting. I don't find myself wanting to save. I'm finding myself wanting to find ways to support and advocate for change. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014324872 Saving does not always give the tools to stay afloat! https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325521 Saving is SUCH a strong word - Absolutely not saving, but advocating and supporting yes! Continuing to empower and educate so they can save themselves. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325521 Not save, but provide resources to improve the situation, reduce stress, and honor individualism. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325563 2022-01-26 19:06:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325563 I try to educate for long term impact instead of temporary saving. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325628 2022-01-26 19:06:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325628 Save no, but help empower or connect families with resources and try to share helpful knowledge. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325782 2022-01-26 19:06:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325782 Saving poor folks? No not exactly. Being poor isnt a problem. There is never enough money/time. Its a revolving door. So listening and giving resources https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325835 2022-01-26 19:06:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325835 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325935 Saving no....helping families find resources, yes.  What the family wants is important.  What is poor in the families eyes?

]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325935 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325937 I've seen so many poor families experiencing domestic violence that were strong, connected and full of love but so afraid that the children would be removed because of the DV. That was almost a bigger fear than the violence.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014325937 I spend time listening and figuring out how to meet them where they are and help them get to where they tell me that they want to be. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326342 2022-01-26 19:06:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326342 Leaving the issue of substance use out and just broad-brushing by calling the issue systemic racism doesn't help, though, either. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326368 2022-01-26 19:06:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326368 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326659 I hate the practice of foster parents/potential adoptive parents testifying at TPR hearings because I worry it feeds this problem.  It presents this visual of a judge choosing between the "better" family, even though that is not the law that is supposed to be applied.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326659 Focus on Families https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326737 We need to focus on families and ask them what the issue is and the solution is.  Then we need to focus our efforts on what they are telling us.  Focusing on parents and families is the definition of prevention to future harm. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326737 I have worked in child welfare for many years and see how poverty is viewed as a negative when it doesn't have to be or workers putting their values on others (such as removing children for no running water despite the family being resourceful and able to bathe, cook, do laundry, etc). The system is designed to make families fail. As soon as someone has a job, benefits are cut off rather than tapering down. Paying foster parents the money that would help families remain intact is ironic and asinine. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326982 2022-01-26 19:06:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014326982 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014327227 No, I don't want to save them. I find myself inspired by their resilience and ingenuity. Those living in poverty are amazing. I want to encourage and support them on where they want to go.]]> 2022-01-26 19:06:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014327227 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328330 I try to stop and understand that everyone has a different way of living.  I try to ask and listen to families.  Then try to support their needs if they state they have some.  

]]> 2022-01-26 19:07:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328330 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328397 I think it's important to impower so people have knowledge of their options so they can make choices that are best for them.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:07:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328397 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328410 Resoures, resources, resources, meeting children where they are, understand where are they coming from,  taking baby steps to support them. Provide extra support for mothers and fathers 

]]> 2022-01-26 19:07:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328410 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328741 I was raised in generational poverty. There are still triggers around "poverty" for me (Example: my adopted son still receives Medicaid benefits from the state) There were certainly traumatic events in my childhood that COULD have raised concerns with teachers etc. but none of them had to do with the fact that we were poor. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014328741 Meeting them where they are at and that not all families live the same way. It's ok to be different and understand their choices and they needs and wants for their families. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014329402 2022-01-26 19:07:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014329402 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014329929 Sometimes children 16+ do not want to nor is it in their best interest to return to a violent home. This is another way the goal of child welfare to reunite is perpetually harmful. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:08:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014329929 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014330135 No one should have to live in poverty.  We have to do something, but it should be empowerment to help them get to better circumstances.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:08:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014330135 Resources and support https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014332138 I was raised in poverty, so I know how hard it is to climb out of it.  We need to provide resources, and recognizing the challenges poverty creates for people, and that poverty is not abuse.  

We will need a radical shift in our culture to move to abolishing the child welfare system. 

]]> 2022-01-26 19:09:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014332138 I feel like if I'm working with a family who is in poverty, I'm supposed to try and help them because I'm supposed to be providing solutions. Not that I don't want to help them but I feel like I'm supposed to have all the answers and I don't and it's a lot of pressure. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014332718 2022-01-26 19:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014332718 "Child Welfare System" https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333123 As much as words aren't the be all end all, I'm curious if we ought to really be focusing on and calling ourselves a "family welfare system." Rather than a "child welfare system." If we say we are a family welfare system, then our focus is back on the family rather than the child alone. While the child can't be isolated from the family we speak of them as if they are/can be. 

Words have meanings and we change our words to change our thoughts. In domestic cases, we call time with the non residential parent, "parenting time" but in Child Welfare cases, we call it "visits" and "visitation." 

We don't want parents to spend that time visiting with their children we want to see them parenting their children. If we call it parenting time, will we expect parenting and model parenting and adults could see that as time for them to actually parent their children. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:09:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333123 Capitalism https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333330 Is important to understand how white supremacy informs our socioeconomic system, how capitalism feeds from racial inequalities and poverty. the commodification of social services in the form of privatization has become a normalized trend.

]]> 2022-01-26 19:09:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333330 It will take a different people, policy, heart and mind to make any meaningful change. Meanwhile; we continue to pat ourselves on the back (check the box) and head to the bank. feleciacunningham https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333701 2022-01-26 19:09:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014333701 So far to go https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014335094 I want to be able to say that I don't "save," but I think it is probably more accurate to say that I am doing better today than I did yesterday. I will do better tomorrow than I did today. I recognize that I still have so much to learn.]]> 2022-01-26 19:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014335094 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014337241 I grew up in poverty. When I first started this work, I couldn't believe people's attitudes towards families and their expectations that the family needed to change to be like most middle class families.  We need to open our eyes and quit judging families as unworthy of respect and assistance.  I'm not saying to ignore abuse. 

]]> 2022-01-26 19:11:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014337241 As a minority I can attest that "las trabajadoras" are seeing as people of power and authority because their presence usually signifies their family is going to be separated not saved or helped. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014337457 2022-01-26 19:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014337457 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014339325 I think we tell ourselves that we are just helping when in reality, it is self-seeking. We have to first recognize that we are in fact doing is savior tactics

]]> 2022-01-26 19:12:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014339325 I read somewhere that the arsonist and the firefighter will not be the same person. feleciacunningham https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014339965 2022-01-26 19:12:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014339965 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014340818 Taking children from parents is not fixing the wounds of the children, we need to invest more time and resources to support parents, equip them and help them to be successful]]> 2022-01-26 19:13:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014340818 Things will feel different for minorities families when they see themselves reflected in the professionals who serve them. https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014342914 2022-01-26 19:13:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014342914 https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014344565 I know there are always those who are less fortunate than I am but I’m no savior. I know a savior which allows me to step in the time of need and provide resources for them to utilize. ]]> 2022-01-26 19:14:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ksstrong/ccjfppiibjfyr0r/wish/2014344565