"The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive analysis and critique of the existing bodies of research literature on black families, children, and communities, and the effects of that literature on the status of this population today. New and expanded practice and research frameworks with culturally sensitive guidelines for rebuilding and increasing self- and collective sufficiency of this heterogeneous group is presented. These frameworks are used to propose specific approaches to culturally meaningful research, practice, and policy development related to black families."--BOOK JACKET.