In the Season 3 premiere, hosts Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet sit down with Shireen White, Director of Advocacy at Children’s Rights, and Khalees Houston, Executive Director of Village Arms. They discuss their work addressing systemic racism and the overrepresentation of African American families in Minnesota's child welfare system. Khalees shares how her advocacy led to the creation and passage of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act, a law aimed at stopping biased removal practices and keeping families together. Shireen adds insights from her work on systemic reform and community collaboration across the country. This episode explores the challenges within child welfare and the role of legislative action in driving change.

References:

Complaint Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d, and 45 C.F.R. Part 80 Regarding Discrimination by the State of Minnesota

Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act

In our first episode of season three, Sonia Johnson, ESQ and Classie Colinet, ESQ talk with Shereen A. White, Director of Advocacy & Policy at Children’s Rights, and Kelis Houston, Founder of Village Arms. They discuss the deep impact of institutional racism in the child welfare system, focusing on how it disproportionately affects Black families in Minnesota.

Shereen and Kelis share their experiences advocating for families and pushing for change. They explore key issues like the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act, efforts to reduce family separations, and how the system can be reformed to better serve children and families.

This episode provides practical insights for anyone working in or alongside child welfare. Listen in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities for change in this important field.

In our season two finale of Torn, Sonia and Classie reflect on the journey so far, drawing inspiration from Ida B. Wells and discussing the importance of continuing the fight for a fair child welfare system. They share their thoughts on self-care, hope, the nature of reform, and the impact of collective action.

Your involvement is crucial as we move forward, sharing strategies, insights, and stories that drive change. Thank you for being with us on this journey, for your contributions, and for your commitment to making a difference. Stay tuned for more discussions, more guests, and more actions we can take together in the next season.