Family-Oriented Theories

Abstract

Recent literature and reviews of the multicultural counseling competencies (MCC) and the multicultural and social justice counseling competencies (MCCSJ) address a noticeable disconnect between the knowledge, attitudes, and skills involved in these vital areas, and their practical application in the field. Drawing interventions from family-oriented theories, this chapter proposes some ways to address this discrepancy specifically focusing on the practical application of advocacy and social justice competencies with families that must be involved with social service systems. The chapter embraces the idea that creative strategies provide enhanced flexibility in application, thereby positioning human service professionals to meet the needs of more diverse families. By including examples using both a biological and a chosen family, this chapter explores creative ways family-oriented theories can be implemented to support advocacy and social justice efforts when working with traditionally marginalized and disadvantaged populations in their interactions with social service systems.