 Working with Black Children and Families


E


| APRIL DUNCAN, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S


arly on, Black children experience unique race-based stressors in almost every environment they frequent. Disparities in systems like schools, child welfare,


juvenile justice, and even mental health, places them at a higher risk of untreated mental health issues. Furthermore, their behavioral presentations in response to racial stressors, such as anxiety and depression, present differently from the standards which are based  often punished, expelled and even arrested for their behaviors, rather than receiving the support and tools they need to manage their moods


4 | PLAYTHERAPY


and mental distress. Their risk for misdiagnosis also increases, as studies have found Black youth are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct related problems, disruptive behavior disorders and          with anxiety, depression, mood, adjustment and substance abuse disorders (Choi, 2022; Liang et al., 2016).


          microaggressions, prejudice, and discrimination experienced by individuals of color (Henderson et al., 2019). A study found that Black


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