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Examining the potential of a coordinated service delivery model in child welfare in Ontario, Canada: Critical role of Black voices

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  • Gintova, Maria
  • Goodell Ugalde, Elliot
  • Jaimes Zelaya, Abigail

Abstract

Poor outcomes for Black children and youth in the child welfare system in Canada are well documented in existing literature. A lack of service coordination among service providers has been highlighted as one of the barriers faced by children, youth and families receiving child welfare services, specifically from Black communities. However, there is little research on service coordination challenges in child welfare in the Canadian context. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of coordinated service delivery in Ontario’s child welfare system, with a particular focus on the experiences of Black youth. Methodologically, the study relies on the user-centered design approach and via a series of focus groups seeks input from Black youth with lived experience in the child welfare system to explore service delivery issues and develop potential policy solutions. We identify issues such as service fragmentation, untimely referrals, and pervasive mistrust within the child welfare system. These are further exacerbated by systemic racism and a lack of culturally appropriate services. We conclude that the development of the coordinated service delivery model should begin with trust-building initiatives aimed at increasing Black staff representation in the child welfare system and beyond, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring continued engagement of Black communities in policy design.

Suggested Citation

  • Gintova, Maria & Goodell Ugalde, Elliot & Jaimes Zelaya, Abigail, 2025. "Examining the potential of a coordinated service delivery model in child welfare in Ontario, Canada: Critical role of Black voices," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:172:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925001215
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohamud, Faisa & Edwards, Travonne & Antwi-Boasiako, Kofi & William, Kineesha & King, Jason & Igor, Elo & King, Bryn, 2021. "Racial disparity in the Ontario child welfare system: Conceptualizing policies and practices that drive involvement for Black families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    2. Najafi, M. Kazem & Alizadeh, Zahra & Dehghani, Mahnaz & Herzog, Philipp & Azimisefat, Parisa, 2024. "Breaking taboos in sex education to promote self-protective knowledge and skills in children: A human-centered, stakeholder co-design approach for developing a cross-cultural sensitive board game," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    3. Noorishad, Pari-Gole & Paul Darius, Wina & Czechowski, Konrad & McIntee, Sara-Emilie & Ntunga Mukunzi, Joana & Mary Cénat, Jude, 2023. "Racism as a vehicle for the overrepresentation of Black youth in child protection services in Ontario, Canada: Caseworkers’ and community facilitators’ perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    4. Adjei, Paul Banahene & Minka, Eric, 2018. "Black parents ask for a second look: Parenting under ‘White’ Child Protection rules in Canada," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 511-524.
    5. Antwi-Boasiako, Kofi & Fallon, Barbara & King, Bryn & Trocmé, Nico & Fluke, John, 2021. "Examining decision-making tools and child welfare involvement among Black families in Ontario, Canada," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
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