APSAC Advisor

Abstract

Given current disparities faced by African American families in behavioral health outcomes, the behavioral health delivery system does not appear to sufficiently meet the needs of African Americans. Existing research has identified a number of structural or systemic barriers that families may face to equitable care. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical literature review of structural factors that influence African American families’ experiences with the behavioral health delivery system. Particular attention is paid to both historical and contemporary context of behavioral health services, with a focus on structural and systemic factors that influence design, delivery, and receipt of behavioral health care of African American families. The authors provide additional framing for understanding larger system or power dynamics impacting behavioral health care through discussion of social determinants of mental health, as well as cultural factors that may influence families’ experiences, preferences, and needs. Finally, implications for more equitable responses in the behavioral health system for African Americans are presented. These responses include an African-centered approach and relationally-focused practices in the behavioral health system through racial equity and social capital.

Key words: African American and Black families, mental health, mental health treatment, training for mental health workers

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Abstract

The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, now affecting 1 in 36 children, poses significant challenges for families, particularly those from marginalized communities. Research consistently shows that parents of children with ASD experience higher levels of stress and depression compared to parents of typically developing children or children with other disabilities. This elevated psychological distress can negatively impact both parents’ well-being and the quality of care they are capable of providing to children. Addressing the mental health concerns of caregivers of children with autism is of critical importance, especially in marginalized communities. This commentary examines the potential link between poor mental health of caregivers and child maltreatment, focusing on the intersectional experiences of Black families of children with autism. Black parents of children with ASD face unique stressors, including barriers to adequate educational support and healthcare, financial strains, and stigmatization. These challenges can lead to isolation, depression, and heightened stress levels. The views expressed in this commentary emphasize the need for culturally responsive interventions to support the mental health of Black parents caring for of children with ASD. By prioritizing parents’ mental health, we can potentially improve overall family well-being and reduce the risk of child maltreatment.

Keywords: autism, mental health, Black families, parents, supports

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This commentary examines how systemic racism, economic inequality, and healthcare barriers intersect to impact the mental health, education, and overall well-being of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families, with particular attention to the challenges faced by both children and their parents. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the information presented. While this discussion highlights significant systemic barriers and proposes interventions, the analysis does not encompass all possible cultural and contextual variations within BIPOC populations. Moreover, further research is needed to validate the scalability and long-term efficacy of the suggested programs and policies. These challenges impact both parental and child mental health, academic achievement, and family stability. Poor parental mental health can impair caregiving abilities, potentially increasing the risk of child maltreatment when compounded by chronic stressors and inadequate support systems. Additionally, cultural stigma surrounding mental health treatment in some BIPOC communities prevents many individuals from seeking necessary help, further exacerbating family stress. This article highlights the importance of culturally responsive interventions and systemic changes to address these interconnected issues, improve family well-being, and promote academic success among BIPOC children.

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School personnel represent the largest demographic of mandated reporters for child maltreatment. However, numerous unreported cases of child maltreatment from school personnel have raised concerns about prospective teachers being prepared for mandated reporting. This paper illustrates how a course activity utilized Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory and post-structural feminism to aid pre-service teachers in conceptualizing their role in advocacy and critiquing the function of systems and structures for a child abuse case in Maryland. This work highlights the benefits of integrating post-structural feminist theories into teacher preparation courses to raise awareness about children’s rights, examine the power dynamics between adults and children, promote strategies for preventing and advocating against child maltreatment, and emphasize the need for support systems to address teachers’ secondary traumatic stress.

Keywords: child maltreatment, advocacy, post-structural feminism, Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems

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Grief and loss are common experiences that can bring about numerous complexities. Grief is experienced through a set of common experiences. The following article contributes to the knowledge base by delving deeper into the exploration of the interconnections between grief and loss and the child welfare system. The article discusses the impact of grief and loss on Black families in relation to child removal and loss of custody and substance use and job loss. The article highlights the need for the child welfare system to utilize The Energy Model of Cumulative Grief to improve the mental health of Black parents and children and increase equitable outcomes for Black families.

Keywords: child welfare system, grief, loss, child custody, child removal, substance use, job loss

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Abstract

Mainstream psychology largely promotes human development theories and models that are not designed to account for the lived experiences of diverse populations. Historically, the field of human development has relied upon models that encompass various stages of development and how they may look from Eurocentric perspectives. As diversity increases on a global scale, there is a dire need for a model that is more inclusive of diverse persons and various lived experiences. This commentary offers a developmental theory to help equip practitioners in the helping professions when working with clients from other cultural backgrounds and diverse lived experiences. Building on historically adaptive developmental theories, this article proposes the Nzima Model of Human Development, which addresses culturally relevant societal norms and struggles today.

Keywords: lifespan development, human development, BIPOC, black, developmental stages

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