African-Centered Frameworks of Youth Development: Nuanced Implications for Guiding Social Work Practice with Black Youth

A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on Factors Affecting Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Severe Emotional Disturbances

“…At the same time, our findings reflect literature on adolescent mental health services and positive youth development that emphasize the importance of youth experiences and participation in service evaluation and planning (Brown, 2006b ; Chauveron et al, 2021 ; Delman & Jones, 2002 ; LaPorte et al, 2014 ; Lich et al, 2017 ). The organization of clusters by level of importance and perceived feasibility also reflect the literature on specific challenges experienced by Black transition-age youth with SED (Lindsey et al, 2017 ; Planey et al, 2019 ), whose cultural experiences and strengths may go unnoticed if services and interventions are only designed with one component of vulnerability (mental health condition) in mind (Cooper et al, 2015 ; Lateef, 2021 ).…”

“…Racial/ethnic minorities and youth from low-income communities with emotional and behavioral impairments are further at risk to become disconnected from supportive services and communities as they enter adulthood (Akinola & Dunkley, 2019 ; Eilenberg et al, 2019 ; Reynolds, 2015 ). However, some services designed to meet the needs of youth with SED, such as employment and educational programs, have yet to reflect the intersectionality and nuances that shape their lived experiences during the transition and thereafter (Akinola & Dunkley, 2019 ; Hollocks et al, 2019 ; Lateef, 2021 ; Thompson et al, 2021 ). Communities and youth service providers are now called to develop inclusive programs that encompass the multifaceted needs of transition-age youth with SED to promote positive outcomes (Akinola & Dunkley, 2019 ; Lich et al, 2017 ).…”

Black Youth and African-Centered Interventions: A Systematic Review

“…The small number of studies identified within this review points to a need for further development and testing of ACIs with Black youth. African-derived frameworks of youth development are diverse, as are Black youth in the intersectionality of their identities (Lateef, 2020). Future research should ensure that the African-centered frameworks chosen to inform interventions with Black youth consider a nuanced approach, ensuring that unique sociohistorical, sociocultural context, and geographic differences are considered when designing intervention strategies for this population.…”

Exploring the Impact of Skin Tone Perception on Race-Related Outcomes and Familial Functioning Among African American Youth: Implications for African-Centered Interventions

“…A helpful alternative is an African-centered approach. Interchangeably referred to as “Afrocentric,” African-centered models of youth development emphasize the role of the community to support young persons’ developmental processes, by instilling indigenous African and African diasporan cultural values among youth of African descent (Lateef, 2020). The incorporation of African-centered approaches is an established modality in many Black American communities since its initial development during the 1970s Black Studies Movement (Reid-Merritt, 2010).…”

“…Although important nuances (Lateef, 2020) exist regarding indigenous African philosophies of youth development, African-centered approaches to youth development often emphasize multigroup interventions and engagement instead of individual efforts (Hilliard, 1995). African-centered multigroup approaches aim to improve youths' contacts with (a) non-familial prosocial adults and (b) prosocial peers with whom they can work together, experience things together, and acquire life skillsets together (Hilliard, 1995).…”