Shirleecia Ward

This study examines the harm and the disempowerment experienced by four Black Global Majority (BGM) mothers using Critical Race Feminism (CRF) theory lens. It considers the impact of entrenched Westernized mindsets and approaches related to ‘good enough’ parenting on BGM mothers in the UK by social workers. Conley outlines four elements of ‘good enough’ parenting: meeting children’s health and developmental needs, prioritizing children’s needs, providing routine and consistent care, and acknowledging problems while engaging with support services. Although the case studies illustrated no failure to meet these requirements, the researchers acknowledge the need for Children Services intervention but question the efficacy of the service they received and question the role of systemic racism in the interactions. The study noted systemic neglect and emotional abuse, with social workers engaging in defensive practices, leading to excessive disproportionality in experiences across ethnic groups and punitive interventions to address concerns. It highlights the challenges faced by BGM parents and emphasizes the need to decolonize childcare practices and the necessity of cultural humility. The papers findings and discussion should be utilized to enhance social work practice, better support BGM parents, and improve child outcomes.

Purpose The aim of this research was to explore and gain an understanding of the lived experiences of Black females transitioning from social work practice into academia and the support and barriers they experienced. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this an adaptation of Wengraf (2004) Biographical Narrative Interview Model (BNIM) was employed alongside Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis as foundation of the methodology employed in this study. Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered. Findings The study identified four themes: (1) significance of early life, (2) passion for learning, (3) overcoming obstacles and (4) navigating academia. The case studies highlighted the various examples of resistance, rebellion and activism the Black female academics employed within UK universities. The paper concluded that despite the positive messaging from families and communities, about pursuing education, and the need for having a strong work ethic, the progress that can be achieved by Black female academics is limited due to the pervasive nature of racism, therefore dispelling the myth of meritocracy. Research limitations/implications The research sample was small and therefore not easily generalisable to the whole population. The findings of the paper will need to be considered as a contribution of knowledge to the issue of structural racism. Originality/value Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is sadly not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered. Namely, the academics were both researchers and the participants, therefore simultaneously providing and analysing the data.

The lead researchers were commissioned by Mind in Bradford to undertake a review of their Youth in Mind (YiM) provision from May-July 2022. Semi-structured interviews with most of the service providers and several of the schools were conducted – the schools being key stakeholders, as they refer the Children and Young People (CYP). The work was conducted in collaboration with the Young Dynamos, a young people’s research advisory and involvement group that is facilitated by Bradford District Care Foundation Trust. The research was designed to review the YiM provision to identify areas of good practice, but also gaps in provision and to determine areas for improvement. The research was asked specifically to examine the accessibility of the YiM provision for minoritised ethnic CYP, and ways to improve service provision.

A study of the placement experiences of Black and Global Majority students in Nursing and Social Work Practice Placements.