Institute for Family and Child Well-Being

1.   Broader Community Education and Awareness

We take seriously the importance of lifelong learning and skill-building.  We thus engage directly in the education of professionals, students and the general public about major issues related to African American family and community functioning, especially the impact of child welfare and juvenile justice system involvement on African American children, families and communities.

2.   Cultural Knowledge and Responsiveness

We seek to provide culturally meaningful information about the expereiences of African American children, families and communities in this society.  A major goal of this site is to make available and easily accessible a body of knowledge about the meaning and relevance of culture in the African American family experience, as well as provide information about effective culturally responsive practice strategies in the fields of child welfare and juvenile justice.

3.   Organizational & Professional Support

We provide information, support and assistance to individuals and organizations seeking to work more effectively with African American children and families.  Through our National Advisory Council as well as a national network of child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, we assist individuals and organizations in identifying and developing culturally responsive practices and programs, as well as effective community engagement strategies.

4.   Communication & Information Sharing

Greater understanding and skill building can only come through effective communication and sharing of accurate and meaningful information.  We develop and coordinate collective learning opportunities and facilitate information sharing among organizations and individuals interested in and committed to the work of healing and developing African American families and communities.