West African Families in Britain

First published in 1978, West African Families in Britain: A Meeting of Two Cultures explores the social work needs of West African families in Britain, focusing on the extended family’s role in child socialization and cultural integration. It examines challenges arising from cultural differences, particularly the prevalence of private fostering, and highlights the complexities of legal provisions under the 1975 Children Act. The authors emphasize the risks of long-term fostering and advocate for greater understanding of West African society by social workers. While centered on West Africans, its insights apply broadly to work with other ethnic minority groups. This is a must read for students of social work.