"When the Welfare People Come"

Race and Class in the US Child Protection System

Provides an analysis of institutional racism and inequality in the U.S. with a focus on institutions for which are often paid less attention by scholars and activists.

There are no other works which analyze the child welfare system historically or in its current composition, specifically as a means of controlling the children of the poor and working class on behalf of capitalism

History and analysis is supplemented with first person narratives from parents and foster youth

Outlines positive directions for reform, including parent-led initiatives, and labor-parent-community solidarity

Particular attention is paid to the unique experience of Black and indigenous families, and to the current pattern of disproportionate representation in the system.