Intervening with African-Americans: Culturally Specific Practice Considerations

Abstract

Social work interventions are best applied when tailored to meet the specific needs of the target population. Practice perspectives that foster resilience by integrating core African-American values serve to decrease psychosocial risks and promote positive coping and adaptation. This article describes models of risk and resilience and the Africentric perspective. The discussion then integrates these concepts to highlight the importance of Africentric approaches for promoting resilience. In addition to placing risk and resilience at the forefront, the Africentric perspective is explored as a framework for developing new practice interventions that promote resilience. These perspectives are integrated in proposing engagement, assessment, and intervention strategies that employ the Africentric perspective. A case example illustrates the application of strategies that are informed by this integrated perspective. Implications for practice and research are discussed.