The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) is mandated by our mission to advocate for Black people. The position papers are our important tool for NABSW membership and the broader community to be informed on the issues from NABSW's perspective. Local chapters are encouraged to utilize these papers to advocate for policies and procedures that preserve African American families.

Finally, NABSW acknowledges and thanks the researchers, writers and editors for this important work.

In the Spirit of Harambee

Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts
National President

Cheikh Ahmadou Banba Mbacké
Vice President

Patricia O'Neal-Williams
Treasurer

Renata Hedrington-Jones
Recording Secretary

Sharon Holmes Thomas
Corresponding Secretary

Sharon Bomar
Member-at-Large

John Gordon
Member-at-Large

Quanastacia McMillan
Office of Student Affairs Coordinator

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Hotep!

The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) has over a three-decade commitment to preserving communities of African ancestry through the strengths and richness of African culture. While the organization has been largely known for its stance on transracial adoption, the position has been distorted and misunderstood for almost two decades. This publication represents a desire to ensure an understanding of NABSW's position on preserving families and a range of other policy issues of importance. It gives readers a chance to understand our stance on issues and beliefs as an organization through our collective voice.

Each position paper provides background data on the topic area, selected policy issues to consider, and specific policy recommendations. The papers have been constructed to understand NABSW's thinking and perspectives of critical policy issues. Forthcoming position papers will focus on topic areas, such as HIV/AIDS, criminal and juvenile justice, and youth development.

This publication has been written again to provide clarification and understanding of NABSW's policy recommendations. The papers can also be utilized in the following ways:

• To assist NABSW chapters and members in advocacy endeavors on the local, state, and national levels;
• To educate students about diverse perspectives of public policy issues;
• To host discussions around diverse perspectives of policy issues; and,
• To assist in program and policy development.

Ultimately, the publication serves as a tool for the advancement of a progressive policy agenda centered in the beliefs and philosophies of NABSW. We would like to thank President Jackson for her diligence in ensuring the outcome of this endeavor and we look forward to increasing our number of position papers on critical social policy issues. Asante Sana

In the Spirit and Joy of Harambee,

Tricia B. Bent-Goodley, Ph.D. and Iris B. Carlton-LaNey, Ph.D.,
Co-Editors