Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work by Carlene Cornish

Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work by Carlene Cornish

Despite decades of policy reform, minoritised ethnic families continue to experience disproportionate intervention, harsher outcomes, and systemic discrimination in children’s social work.

Drawing on original qualitative research with Black and Brown mothers, this groundbreaking book reveals how racism, white dominance, and structural oppression shape their experiences in the child protection system. It introduces the SAWUBONA model – an Afrocentric, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practice framework that values Indigenous knowledge, fosters cultural humility, and centres empathetic, collaborative relationships between practitioners and service users.

Offering critical insight and a practical pathway for decolonising practice, this book is essential reading for academics and professionals in social work, education, policing, and the wider safeguarding community seeking to challenge racial disparities and embed culturally responsive approaches.

“Carlene has written an essential anti-racist text in children’s social work education and practiceWith growing personal and structural racism in society, social work must be the shining light in decolonising our education and practice for racially minoritised families. SAWUBONA, I see you and will walk beside you.” Jas Sangha, Anglia Ruskin University

“Offering original insights through applications of the de-colonial SAWUBONA model to nuanced case studies, this book offers practical solutions to the global crisis of the overrepresentation of Indigenous and racialised minorities in the child welfare system.” Emily Keddell, University of Otago

“With the emphasis in the SAUBONA framework of truly seeing and valuing families, this book offers a much-needed guide to culturally sensitive child welfare work with families from racially minoritized groups.” Elsbeth Neil, University of Massachusetts

Carlene Cornish is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of East Anglia, Board Member and UK Representative of the Commonwealth Organisation of Social Work, and Member of the British Association for Social Work (BASW) International Committee.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781447378631
ISBN 10	1447378636
Title	Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work
Author	Carlene Cornish
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Bristol University Press
Year published	2026-05-21
Number of pages	192
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.