Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work: SAWUBONA as a Model for Decolonising Children's Social...

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Carlene Cornish (University of East Anglia)

Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work

Name: Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work
Price: 176.95 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781447378631

SAWUBONA as a Model for Decolonising Children's Social Work

Carlene Cornish (University of East Anglia)

$176.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Policy Press
28 May 2026

Social discrimination; Ethnic minorities & multicultural studies; Child welfare; Social work

Despite decades of policy reform, minoritised ethnic families continue to experience disproportionate intervention, harsher outcomes, and systemic discrimination in children’s social work.

Drawing on original qualitative research with Black and Brown mothers, this groundbreaking book reveals how racism, white dominance, and structural oppression shape their experiences in the child protection system. It introduces the SAWUBONA model – an Afrocentric, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practice framework that values Indigenous knowledge, fosters cultural humility, and centres empathetic, collaborative relationships between practitioners and service users.

Offering critical insight and a practical pathway for decolonising practice, this book is essential reading for academics and professionals in social work, education, policing, and the wider safeguarding community seeking to challenge racial disparities and embed culturally responsive approaches.

By: Carlene Cornish (University of East Anglia)
Imprint: Policy Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781447378631
ISBN 10: 1447378636
Pages: 170
Publication Date: 28 May 2026
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Further / Higher Education , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Carlene Cornish is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of East Anglia, Board Member and UK Representative of the Commonwealth Organisation of Social Work, and Member of the British Association for Social Work (BASW) International Committee.

Reviews for Breaking through Racial Barriers in Social Work: SAWUBONA as a Model for Decolonising Children's Social Work

“Carlene has written an essential anti-racist text in children’s social work education and practice. With growing personal and structural racism in society, social work must be the shining light in decolonising our education and practice for racially minoritised families. SAWUBONA, I see you and will walk beside you.” Jas Sangha, Anglia Ruskin University