Cultural Sensitivity Workshop for NJ State Child Welfare Agency
South Plainfield, NJ: The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) conducted a cultural sensitivity workshop for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), the state’s child welfare agency, last Thursday. Entitled “Cultural Diversity and Considerations – Islam and Muslims,” the workshop was hosted by DCF’s Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) at its state headquarters in Trenton, NJ.
CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Yee was invited to discuss Islam, Muslims, the accommodation of Islamic religious practices, and other cultural sensitivity issues generally associated with American Muslim families. The 2 ½-hour training session was attended by state employees of both DYFS and DCF, to include the DYFS Director and Deputy Director.
”We welcome the opportunity to familiarize those working in our state’s child welfare agency with Islamic beliefs and religious practices,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Yee. “Educating DYFS and DCF staff members on Muslim cultural considerations enhances their ability to provide social support services to the many Muslim children and families throughout our state,” Yee informed.
CAIR-NJ commends DYFS and DCF for recognizing the importance of having its employees trained to meet the needs of a growing New Jersey Muslim community.
