Blog
Building a Brighter Future: Featuring Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers
Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, shares valuable insights into the intersection of race equity, child welfare practices, and the care of vulnerable adolescents in kinship care. In a conversation centered on systemic challenges, cultural sensitivity, and the future of child welfare policies, Dr. Estreet highlights both the obstacles and solutions for supporting youth in care.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and young people in the child welfare system are no exception. With the right support, resources, and community connections, these young people can overcome challenges and build bright futures. There are countless examples of resilience, brilliance, and success among youth in foster care, and with a more equitable and culturally responsive approach, we can help them reach their full potential. By focusing on prevention, empowerment, and mentorship, we can create a system that uplifts and guides them on their journey to adulthood, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
While the child welfare system faces changes, there yet remains the opportunity for positive transformation. When we take a closer look at children and families involved in child welfare, we see resilience waiting to be nurtured. These youth are disproportionately represented in foster care, and, unfortunately, many child welfare policies do not meet their unique needs. This often leads to additional challenges, including school dropout, homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, and more. However, by addressing these issues with a focus on empowerment, we can make a significant difference. Equally important is the mental health support needed for kinship youth. Dr. Estreet advocates for rethinking how mental health services are delivered, making them more accessible and community-oriented. “[Many] don’t always seek therapy in traditional settings, but they do seek it in places like barbershops, salons, and among peers. Let’s meet people where they are,” he says. “By expanding the locations where mental health services are offered, such as within trusted community spaces, we can better reach those who need help.”
“We need to move beyond crisis intervention. Let’s focus on prevention—early education on mental health, starting in schools, and normalizing these conversations.”
To break the cycle and create lasting change, it’s crucial that the system prioritizes implicit bias training for all involved—mandated reporters, child welfare workers, and administrators alike. By understanding the unique needs of children and families, we can create policies that empower rather than penalize ultimately guiding precarious youth toward success.
Dr. Estreet stresses the need for culturally competent social workers and caregivers. “Training, training, training,” he asserts. However, courses on cultural sensitivity are not enough. Social workers and caregivers should work to confront internal biases and acknowledge how systemic inequities shape perspectives and practices. “We must push against the notion that poverty automatically means harmful behavior. We need to challenge that thinking and advocate for policies that address these inequities,” Dr. Estreet emphasizes.
One of the most critical moments is the transition out of the child welfare system. It’s a time when proper support can make all the difference between thriving and facing an uncertain future. When young people are equipped with the right resources, they are capable of overcoming barriers like homelessness, limited education, and a lack of community.
If we want to see these kids thrive, we must invest in programs that offer guidance in everything from housing to professional development, to financial literacy, to mentorship.
Focusing on strengthening families by providing in-home services should be at the forefront when working with youth. They thrive when they are allowed to stay connected to their culture, community, and family. It’s not enough to provide resources; we have to make youth know about these tools and are connected to them from the beginning. By offering a broad spectrum of services and focusing on preparing them for success, ASCI ensures that these adolescents are set up to thrive as they step into adulthood.
“We need to provide guidance and support as they navigate the transition to independence—whether it’s through college, trade school, or the workforce.”
There’s something powerful about a child seeing a family member or someone who looks like them thriving. It instills a sense of possibility and confidence that can’t be underestimated. There are many resources available for youth, but communication is key.
By using various forms of outreach—mail, email, social media, and one-on-one discussions—we can ensure that these young people know where to turn when they need help.
As youth transition out of the system, they often face significant barriers such as a lack of stable housing and financial resources. To give them the best chance at success, these conversations must start early, focusing on their goals and aspirations.
The conversation needs to happen early—when these kids are 14 or 15, not when they’re 16 or 17 and scrambling to figure things out.
By providing guidance and offering resources early, we empower vulnerable youth to break the cycle of poverty and instability. Mentorship and positive community connections are also critical in helping youth thrive after being in care. Connecting them with mentors who understand their unique journey allows them to see themselves as successful adults, capable of achieving their dreams.
We need mentors who understand their journey, who have walked a similar path, and who can offer guidance and encouragement. These role models can inspire youth to aspire to do things they may never have thought possible, helping them chart a course to success.
Finally, to create a truly supportive system, it’s necessary to reform the punitive policies that harm youth and families. Instead of focusing on removal, we must prioritize family preservation and support, investing in in-home services that support long-term stability.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by youth in care shows us that with systemic change, we can create a brighter future for these young people. With better resources and strong mentorship programs, each child can overcome the odds and build successful futures.
Further, having greater representation of child welfare workers that can provide cultural insights through lived experience can ultimately help address systemic barriers and drive positive change for youth. “When we build trust within the community by employing people who look like the families they serve, we strengthen the system.” With a renewed focus on cultural understanding and systemic change, he believes there’s potential for significant improvement in the outcomes for adolescents in kinship care.
“By shifting our focus, we can create a more resilient and successful future for these young people.”