Foster Care Training

In a world where conversations about equity are gaining momentum, disabled and neurodivergent individuals – particularly those who are people of color – often remain marginalized. The intersections of race, disability/neurodivergence, sex, and gender can create unique barriers for youth in the child welfare system. As our understanding of social justice evolves, it’s essential that we adopt a disability justice framework that recognizes these intersections and advocates for the full humanity and dignity of disabled individuals. This workshop brings the concept and the practice of disability justice to the forefront, focusing on how ableism interacts with racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression to create compounded challenges for youth in care. Participants will engage with the principles of disability justice, which prioritize centering the voices and experiences of disabled people from marginalized backgrounds. By learning how ableism and other forms of oppression are woven into the fabric of the child welfare system, social workers will gain tools to advocate for more inclusive and equitable environments. The workshop will offer actionable strategies for creating care practices that honor the full spectrum of human identity, ensuring that disabled youth receive the support they need to thrive.