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Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-13-2024
Year of Publication
2022
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Faculty
Laura E. Escobar-Ratliff, DSW
Abstract
The experiences of Black children resulting from the events surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic present a projection to create long-term mental health effects at higher rates than their peers of other races. While the long-term effects of this pandemic are still considered ongoing, the disparities within the Black community will subsequently develop into a trickle-down effect of secondary traumatic experiences faced by Black children. Then, where does that leave Black children and their mental health? This capstone project aims to examine how the Covid-19 pandemic will affect Black children, explore the mental health challenges and disparities faced by Black children resulting from their experiences of the pandemic, and identify therapeutic interventions and resources to address this issue. This capstone project produced three products.
Produce one is a systematic literature review focused on research that assessed the mental health of Black children who have experienced natural disasters. The intent is to draw a correlation between the long-term mental health effects predicted from the Covid-19 pandemic and the long-term mental health effects Black children experienced due to their exposure to natural disasters.
Product two is a conceptual paper that explores disparities faced by Black children due to the Covid-19 pandemic and how these disparities contribute to the long-term mental health effects among this population. The three disparities identified were limited access to services, education disruptions, and collective trauma. In addition, the conceptual paper discussed Person-In-Environment and Critical Race Theory as theoretical perspectives to utilized when addressing these issues within this population.
Product three explores implementing a school-based holistic and multi-systems therapeutic approach, conducted by school-based mental health providers, within the school system that includes providing individual, family, and group psychoeducation therapy to Black children and their families. While the Covid-19 pandemic affects everyone, Black children are predicted to suffer at drastically higher rates. Therefore, social workers and mental health providers must reimagine and restructure the treatment provided for this population.
KEYWORDS: Black/African American children, Covid-19 pandemic, Mental Health, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Treatment
Recommended Citation
Reed, Brittany, "Addressing the Mental Health Disparities Among Black Children During Natural Disasters: A Clinical Perspective and Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic." (2022). DSW Capstone Projects. 40.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/40
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