Jun 1, 2023
On June 1st 2023, the panel examined the intersection of precarious immigration status and systemic racism in the child protection system and the field of social work more broadly. Despite increased attention to systemic racism in social work and the child welfare system in particular, social workers continue to have limited knowledge of how systemic racism contributes to exclusion from social and health services for immigrants who have a precarious legal status in Canada.
The panel presented original research findings from a) a survey of social workers on their attitudes towards immigrants, b) interviews with child protection workers in Ontario and British Columbia, c) snapshot of precarious immigration status specifically for children/youth, and d) reflections on developing participatory research project with people who have lived experience with precarious immigration status while also being involved with the child welfare system.
There was a very lively audience Q&A afterwards that highlighted the importance of having more social work conversations about precarious immigration status.
For more information, download the PPT slides below.
