Building Bridges: Empowering Black Mothers Through Group Work for Successful Reentry
Category: 2025 Posters
Apr
29
Leslianne Davis, Private Practice, Raleigh, NC
This session examines group work's vital role in empowering Black mothers during reentry. Learn culturally responsive strategies, trauma-informed practices, and community-building techniques to foster resilience and promote successful reintegration.
Presentation Description:
This presentation explores the critical role of group work in facilitating successful reentry for Black mothers who have experienced incarceration. It addresses the unique challenges these women face, including systemic racism, trauma, and societal stigma, and demonstrates how culturally responsive group interventions can foster resilience and promote positive change.The session integrates theoretical perspectives from feminist theory, critical race theory, and trauma-informed care to inform practical group work strategies. We will examine innovative approaches such as peer support groups, storytelling, and empowerment-based activities, highlighting their effectiveness in building community, promoting healing, and enhancing self-efficacy.The goals of this presentation are to: Provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the specific needs of Black mothers during reentry. Equip participants with practical tools and techniques for facilitating culturally responsive and trauma-informed groups. Explore strategies for building collaborative partnerships with community organizations to support successful reintegration. Foster a dialogue about the importance of addressing systemic barriers to reentry. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and experiential exercises to enhance their understanding and application of the presented concepts. Expected outcomes for attendees include increased knowledge of effective group work practices, enhanced cultural competency, and a renewed commitment to supporting the successful reintegration of Black mothers.References:
- Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The New Press
- Bevan, M. (2015). Women’s experiences of rehabilitation and re-offending summary of findings. Practice: The New Zealand Corrections Journal, 3(2).
- Bryant-Davis, T., Fasalojo, B., Arounian, A., Jackson, K. L., & Leithman, E. (2024), Resist and Rise: A Trauma-Informed Womanist Model for Group Therapy, Women & Therapy, 47(1)34–57, DOI: http://doi.org/10.1080/02703149.2021.1943114
- Collins, P. H. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. Routledge.
- Davis, L. (2024). Motherhood, Trauma, and Justice: A Critical Look at Black Women’s Reentry Pathways. (2024). Journal of Forensic Social Work, 8(1), 39-47. https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.1936-9298.2024.8.1.39-47
- Fryling, M. J., Johnston, C., & Hayes, L. J. (2011). Understanding observational learning: an interbehavioral approach. The Analysis of verbal behavior, 27(1), 191–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393102
- Lind, J., Ghirlanda, S., & Enquist, M. (2019). Social learning through associative processes: a computational theory. Royal Society open science, 6(3), 181777. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.181777
- Mitchell, M. B., & Davis, J. B. (2019). Formerly Incarcerated Black Mothers Matter Too: Resisting Social Constructions of Motherhood. The Prison Journal, 99(4), 420-436. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0032885519852079
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014, July). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf
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