Children with Cognitive or Physical Disabilities

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Historical Discrimination in Child Welfare: A Look Back at the Past

Child welfare has been a topic of discussion for centuries, with various forms of discrimination affecting vulnerable populations. The history of child welfare is marked by instances of systemic racism, ableism, and classism, which have had a lasting impact on the lives of children and families. In this article, we will explore some examples of historical discrimination in child welfare, highlighting the experiences of children with cognitive or physical disabilities, Indigenous/Native American children, and children from low-income families.

Children with Cognitive or Physical Disabilities

Prior to 1875, children with cognitive or physical disabilities were often placed with wealthy families as a form of charity or to provide a sense of purpose for the family. This practice, known as "instituting," was based on the idea that children with disabilities were a burden on their families and society as a whole. By placing them with wealthy families, it was believed that they could be provided with the care and support they needed, while also serving as a reminder of the family's philanthropic efforts.

However, this practice was often more about providing a sense of status and prestige for the wealthy family than about providing actual care and support for the child. Children with disabilities were often subjected to harsh treatment, including physical and emotional abuse, and were frequently isolated from their families and communities.

Post-Revolutionary War and Indigenous/Native American Children

Following the American Revolution, the United States government began to implement policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous/Native American children into white culture. This included the forced relocation of children from their families and communities to boarding schools, where they were forced to abandon their cultural practices and languages.

The Indian Boarding School system, which operated from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, was designed to "civilize" Indigenous/Native American children by erasing their cultural identities and imposing European-American values and customs. Children were forced to cut their hair, wear Western-style clothing, and abandon their traditional languages and practices.

This system of forced assimilation had a devastating impact on Indigenous/Native American communities, leading to the loss of cultural heritage, language, and identity. The trauma inflicted on these children and their families continues to be felt today, with many communities still struggling to recover from the effects of this historical trauma.

Children from Low-Income Families

Children from low-income families have also been subject to historical discrimination in child welfare. Prior to the 20th century, children from poor families were often forced to work in factories, mills, and other industries, where they were subjected to long hours, low wages, and hazardous working conditions.

The Industrial Revolution brought about a significant increase in child labor, with many children as young as six or seven years old working in factories and mills. This practice was often justified as a means of providing economic support for families, but it also perpetuated poverty and inequality.

The Legacy of Historical Discrimination

The historical discrimination faced by children with cognitive or physical disabilities, Indigenous/Native American children, and children from low-income families has had a lasting impact on the lives of these populations. The trauma and intergenerational trauma inflicted on these communities continue to be felt today, with many individuals and families struggling to overcome the effects of historical discrimination.

In order to address these ongoing issues, it is essential to acknowledge and learn from the past. This includes recognizing the historical trauma inflicted on these communities and working to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

Historical discrimination in child welfare has had a profound impact on the lives of children and families. By examining the experiences of children with cognitive or physical disabilities, Indigenous/Native American children, and children from low-income families, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing effects of historical trauma and the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues.

By working together to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and discrimination, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. This includes recognizing the historical trauma inflicted on these communities and working to provide support and resources to help individuals and families overcome the effects of historical discrimination.

Acknowledge and Learn from the Past: Recognize the historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous/Native American communities, children with cognitive or physical disabilities, and children from low-income families.
Dismantle Systems of Oppression: Work to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and discrimination, including policies and practices that perpetuate ableism, racism, and classism.
Provide Support and Resources: Provide support and resources to help individuals and families overcome the effects of historical discrimination, including access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Promote Cultural Competence: Promote cultural competence among child welfare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure that they are equipped to provide culturally sensitive and effective services to diverse populations.

By following these recommendations, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all, where children and families are valued and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions: Historical Discrimination in Child Welfare

Q: What is historical discrimination in child welfare?

A: Historical discrimination in child welfare refers to the systemic and institutionalized forms of racism, ableism, and classism that have been perpetuated against vulnerable populations, including children with cognitive or physical disabilities, Indigenous/Native American children, and children from low-income families.

Q: What are some examples of historical discrimination in child welfare?

A: Some examples of historical discrimination in child welfare include:

The forced relocation of Indigenous/Native American children to boarding schools, where they were forced to abandon their cultural practices and languages.
The practice of "instituting," where children with cognitive or physical disabilities were placed with wealthy families as a form of charity or to provide a sense of purpose for the family.
The forced labor of children from low-income families in factories, mills, and other industries, where they were subjected to long hours, low wages, and hazardous working conditions.

Q: How has historical discrimination in child welfare affected Indigenous/Native American communities?

A: The historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous/Native American communities has had a profound impact on their cultural heritage, language, and identity. The forced relocation of children to boarding schools, where they were forced to abandon their cultural practices and languages, has led to the loss of cultural knowledge and traditions. This trauma continues to be felt today, with many communities struggling to recover from the effects of historical trauma.

Q: How has historical discrimination in child welfare affected children with cognitive or physical disabilities?

A: Children with cognitive or physical disabilities have been subject to historical discrimination in child welfare, including the practice of "instituting," where they were placed with wealthy families as a form of charity or to provide a sense of purpose for the family. This practice was often more about providing a sense of status and prestige for the wealthy family than about providing actual care and support for the child.

Q: How has historical discrimination in child welfare affected children from low-income families?

A: Children from low-income families have been subject to historical discrimination in child welfare, including the forced labor of children in factories, mills, and other industries. This practice was often justified as a means of providing economic support for families, but it also perpetuated poverty and inequality.

Q: What can be done to address historical discrimination in child welfare?

A: To address historical discrimination in child welfare, it is essential to acknowledge and learn from the past. This includes recognizing the historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous/Native American communities, children with cognitive or physical disabilities, and children from low-income families. By working together to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and discrimination, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Q: What are some recommendations for promoting cultural competence in child welfare?

A: Some recommendations for promoting cultural competence in child welfare include:

Providing training and education for child welfare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders on the historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous/Native American communities, children with cognitive or physical disabilities, and children from low-income families.
Encouraging the use of culturally sensitive and effective practices in child welfare, including the use of traditional healing practices and the involvement of community leaders in decision-making processes.
Promoting the use of inclusive and culturally responsive language in child welfare policies and practices.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about historical discrimination in child welfare?

A: Some resources for learning more about historical discrimination in child welfare include:

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)

By learning more about historical discrimination in child welfare, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.