Responses to the Case Presentation:
Yes, race may be considered in determining Sean's placement because Sean is a child with unique needs regarding his race and heritage. As a supervisor you would want to ensure that the worker thoroughly documents the issues regarding Sean's race and ethnic heritage. This would include, at a minimum, a general description of the history as outlined in the facts and any specific statements made by Sean or his grandmother regarding the issue.
While race may play a role in the placement determination, it must be addressed in the most narrowly tailored and least restrictive way. For the purposes of this case, the question is whether race may be used as the determining factor. Given the facts, race should not be the determining factor in making Sean's placement decision. Therefore, Sean should be placed in the first available family that can meet all of his needs. For example, if a foster parent has said she or he does not wish to have African American children placed in his or her home or you believe placing Sean in a particular home would be destructive to him because of race, you would not be required to place Sean in that home. Again, as a supervisor, you want to ensure that these issues are documented. Whatever family Sean is placed in, it will be important to provide services to him that will address his need for accurate information about his race and ethnic heritage, his emotional needs related his gaining new information, and seek to smooth his transition into the foster family. Additionally, Sean's foster family will likely need guidance and supportive services to understand Sean's unique challenges and to assist him as he gains new information and makes the transitions he is enduring.