Training & Speaking Engagements
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At Village Arms, our speaking engagements are designed to educate, empower, and equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to address racial inequality in child welfare. Our content delves into the root causes and systemic factors contributing to racial disproportionality, providing both historical context and actionable strategies for change.
Our speaking topics explore the full scope of racial disparities within the child welfare system, emphasizing:
The Harm of Family Separation: Understanding how the removal of children from their families leads to long-term developmental, emotional, and psychological consequences.
Historical Trauma and Systemic Inequities: Examining the generational impact of child welfare policies on African American families and the role of structural racism in perpetuating disparities.
Referral Bias and Human Decision-Making: Analyzing how implicit bias, subjective risk assessments, and discretionary decision-making contribute to the over-surveillance and over-reporting of African American families.
Statistical Realities of Racial Disparities: Highlighting data that shows African American children are:
More likely to come into contact with child protection services.
More frequently assigned to family investigations rather than alternative response models.
Placed in out-of-home care at disproportionately high rates.
More likely to experience re-entry into the child welfare system.
More frequently placed in guardianship instead of reunification.
Through our trainings and speaking engagements, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of how systemic and policy-level inequities impact African American families.
Engage in critical discussions on strategies for dismantling racial bias in child welfare decision-making.
Develop advocacy skills to amplify their voice and influence systemic change.
Explore practical ways to utilize their resources, positions, and platforms to advocate for child welfare reform.
