We understand that many people hold multiple marginalized identities, and we need to apply an intersectional mindset with a pro-equity approach to our work. We acknowledge that community partners are key in how we move forward and how we seek to be racially just and inclusive, and consistently taking action to eliminate the root causes of inequities. To achieve better outcomes for the children, youth and families we serve, we need to integrate and implement pro-equity, anti-racist, multicultural policies, business practices, and customer service behaviors in our major systems and functions of government where we can affect a positive change.
Questions were presented to each group for consideration during their workgroup’s development of recommendations. The following questions were asked:
- What are the barriers that our current system has created for foster care applicants to fully participate and what steps can we take to remove said barriers?
- Are there past experiences that have impacted our work during assessments that should not be a guiding factor in our work moving forward?
- How can we create a process that doesn’t let past contact and involvement influence our decision making in the future?
- How does our communication foster inclusion, respect, and equity?
Other questions were developed to encourage understanding of Tribal Sovereignty/NICWA and tribal jurisdiction.