Bridging the Divide: How Cultural Brokers Support Black Families in Their Daily Lives

Navigating the child welfare system can be daunting for Black families striving for reunification. In Sacramento County, the Cultural Broker Program stands as a crucial source of assistance, tackling the disproportionate representation of African American youth within this arena. This initiative bridges families with local agencies, fostering trust and clarity between them and social service professionals. “We’re healing broken families,” declares Yolanda Stevenson from the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center.Since launching in 2017, the program has achieved an impressive 86% reduction in Black families entering CPS, underscoring its efficacy. By promoting “courageous conversations,” cultural brokers enable families to voice their experiences openly. Mothers like Mauricsha Williams and Latazia Allen share their paths to recovery, highlighting systemic obstacles while nurturing hopeful prospects for the future.