To Have and to Hold From This Day Forward: Theoretical Frameworks on Dismantling the School-to-Prison-Pipeline

Abstract

There are vast complexities that can lead Black boys through a dreadful journey within the school-to-prison pipeline such as race, socio-economic status, and gender and sexual orientation, all of which are no fault of their own. Each of these complexities, in some form, have generated stereotypes, negative images, and labels placed upon Black boys. Within this crisis of humanity, there is a need for educators, social workers, and policymakers to adopt an openness to an alternative approach to addressing this critical concern. This article uses a composite case study to illustrate how a young Black boy faced with barriers driven by systemic issues of racism and oppression seeks unconsciously for attunement and emotional holding within a culturally affirming holding environment.

Keywords

case study case management and/or interdisciplinary practice modes of practice clinical practice trauma-informed practice harm reduction anti-oppressive practice juvenile justice criminal justice /forensic social work

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