An Anti-Oppression Framework for Child Welfare in Ontario

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Anti-Oppression Framework for Child Welfare in OntarioAugust 2010D. ConclusionAs evidenced through the provincial consultations, there are many examples where antioppressivepractices are already occurring in the child welfare field. It has also become clearthat integrating the individual, group and institutional level responses of anti-oppressive work,which explores both process and outcome, is the necessary next step. Doing this embeds suchpractices systemically and consistently within the system to ensure sustainability. This strategyis supported by the 2005 paper, “Developing a Collaborative Intervention Model,” (2005, p. 8)which noted that: “intervention at the micro level is inextricably linked to macro issues such asagency culture, government initiatives and the relationships that agencies have with theircommunities.” The Anti-Oppression Framework provides a tool with sufficient flexibility toenable any individual, team or agency to examine these relationship and processes.The Framework brings together an organizational change process with a logic model to guidethe process of change. It recognizes that anti-oppressive practice is not just about theindividual level of work, but rather an awareness that these actions must also be linked tomeasureable systemic outcomes. As Strega & Carrière (2009) conclude, given the tendency fora system to not change and to reinforce the status quo, it becomes easy to treat inequalities aspart of the technical challenges in the system. An anti-oppressive approach, however, requiresan understanding of the differences between ourselves as related to our own power andpositionality within systems. It assists in the examination of the interrelationships amongassumptions, behaviours, actions, and the processes that prevent or support anti-oppression.To carry out this work, it may also be beneficial to have those who have in-depth knowledge inthe area of diversity, organizational change and oppression help to facilitate this process ofchange to encourage an outside-in perspective of the organization (Fullan, 1993). Above all, it isimportant to emphasize that when engaging in any anti-oppressive organizational process work,service users and their communities (Dumbrill, 2003) must be a part of the process and haveinfluence on the internal processes and mechanisms of the organization. Such externalperspectives will help to provide essential feedback as part of the ongoing assessment sincethey are the ones who are most impacted by the organization’s decisions made with respect toresources and supports. This is the only way to ensure that good intentions have good impact.28 | P a g e
Anti-Oppression Framework for Child Welfare in OntarioAugust 2010ReferencesBaulcomb, J.S. (2010). Management of change through force field analysis. Journal of NursingManagement, 11(4), 275-280.Blanchard, K. (2010, January). Mastering the art of change. Training Journal, 44-47. Retrievedfrom www.trainingjournal.comCampbell, J. (1991). Analysis of variables in child protection: apprehensions and judicialdispositions in British Columbia child welfare practice. (Unpublished master thesis).University of Victoria, Victoria.The Children’s Aid Society of Brant. (2009). Supervision manual: a guide for all managers (thesupervisors) & staff (the supervisees) at the Children’s Aid Society of Brant. Brant,Canada: Brant Children’s Aid Society.Dominelli, L., Strega, S., Callahan, M., & Rutman, D. (2005). Endangered children: experiencingand surviving the state as failed parent and grandparent. British Journal of Social Work,35(7), 1123-1144. doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bch/224Dominelli, L. (2002). Anti-oppressive practice in context (2 nd edition). In Social work: themes,issues and critical debates (pp. 1-19). New York, NY: Palgrave.Dumbrill, G. C. (2003). Child welfare: AOP’s nemesis? In Wes Shera (Ed.). Emergingperspectives on anti-oppression practice (pp. 101-119). Toronto, Canada: CanadianScholars’ Press Inc.Eaton, Mark. (2010, January). Achieving successful organisational change. Training Journal, 39-42. Retrieved from www.trainingjournal.comFullan, M. (1993). Change forces: probing the depths of educational reform. London, U.K.:Falmer Press.Grant, L. & Ojo, K. (Eds.). (2008). Anti-oppression in child welfare: laying the foundation forchange: a discussion paper. Toronto, Canada: The Child Welfare Anti-OppressionRoundtable. Retrieved fromhttp://www.oacas.org/pubs/external/antioppressionpaper09may06.pdfHenry, F. & Tator, C. (2006). The colour of democracy: racism in Canadian Society (3 rd edition).Toronto, Canada: Harcourt Press.Jones, J. (1994). Child protection and anti-oppressive practice: the dynamics of partnershipwith parents explored. Early Childhood Development and Care, 102(2), 101-114.Lopes, T. & Thomas, B. (2006). Dancing on live embers: challenging racism in organizations.Toronto, Canada: Between the Lines.29 | P a g e
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