Somatic Abolitionism in Grandfamily (Kinship Care) Practice, Policies and Structures

Somatic Abolitionism is an emerging process focused on anti-oppressive practice and culture building. The somatic process begins in the body of the individual then ripples out to other bodies throughout the community. It looks different for individuals and communities depending on their racial identity. Uprooting racist and oppressive socialization isn’t easy or comfortable but this topic needs to be addressed. More than 3 million American children are members of grandfamilies created when a grandparent or other family member raises the child of a relative unable or unwilling to parent. Although it is widely reported that children thrive when grandfamilies are supported, throughout the nation, there are few programs that provide adequate support to grandfamilies. During this interactive workshop, the practice of somatic abolitionism and it’s use in anti-racist and anti-oppression work will be described; trauma (black/brown/red body, white body and child welfare practitioner body).