Navigating Racial and Gender Identity Violence as a Young Black Man with Developmental Trauma

In this webinar, viewers meet James, a 16-year-old African American youth who has been living with his maternal uncle, Patrick, since he and his two younger sisters were removed from their biological parents three years ago when James reported to a teacher that his father physically abused him. The teacher filed a report with Child Protective Services (CPS), quickly leading to the removal of James and his two younger sisters (ages seven and nine at that time) from the family home. CPS has been the legal guardian of all three children ever since. CPS gave Patrick physical custody of James, but James’ sisters were placed with a foster family. Patrick believes James needs help and sends him to see Dr. Julian Ford. During his first telehealth session with Dr. Ford, James is skeptical about whether his older White therapist can understand what it’s like as a young African American man. Together, Dr. Ford and James discuss these differences. Their discussions allow James to open up and share some of his deep frustrations and fears, including how his experiences affect his sense of safety and trust and how Patrick can accept and support him as he navigates these complex issues.