THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS to thank for their help and support on this project and many others who have contributed to this book as a result of my work with them throughout the years. I am enormously grateful to the numerous children and families that were my clients during my work in the child welfare system and in my private practice over the past thirty years. The case study presented in this book has been completely disguised to protect client confidentiality. All interviews in the book have also been disguised to protect the confidentiality of the interviewees. Throughout my career in social work education I was mentored by two exemplary individuals, Dr. Dolores Norton and Dr. Mark E. Courtney. From the time I met them many years ago, they have willingly shared their knowledge, time, expertise, and wisdom. Our relationship evolved from one of mentoring to great friendship. I am truly blessed to have both of these individuals in my life today.
I appreciate everyone at Columbia University Press for their high degree of professionalism, support, and guidance in this process. I am enormously grateful to my colleague Dr. Rich Furman, who introduced me to Lauren Dockett, the former social work editor, who encouraged me to write my book. Another colleague and friend, Dr. Jerry Finn, has provided support and encouragement from the time I signed a book contract until the present time. I am most fortunate to have my friend Tasha Pritchett, whom I thank for her kindness, love, and support as well as her technical knowledge and skills in making sure all illustrations were completed in a quality manner. I want to thank Terry L. Cross, executive director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association, for granting permission for the inclusion of the Cultural Competency Continuum.
On a personal note I have received an overwhelming amount of love, encouragement, and support from my dear friends Drs. Jose Rios, Kathryn Basham, Joyce Everett, Ada Skyles, and Lovie Jackson. Sandy Lapham, Delois Brown, Babette Beckham, Billie Johnstone, Ted Johnstone, Beth Van Fossan, Bernice Morehead, Deborah Purce, Daryllyn Harris, Shirley Bonney, and Stephen Wilson are friends that have been loyal, kind, and caring as I worked to complete this book during a most difficult time in my life. It was their love, faith, humor, constant encouragement, and reminders about the significance of this book that helped me keep writing during those times when I felt like abandoning the project.