Racial Disproportionality and Disparity in Child Welfare

Series Title: Issue Briefs

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2016

(PDF - 656 KB)

This issue brief explores the prevalence of racial disproportionality and disparity in the child welfare system. It also describes strategies that can assist child welfare administrators, program managers, and policymakers with addressing these issues in general and at specific decision points in the child welfare process (e.g., prevention, reporting, investigation, service provision, out-of-home care, permanency). Examples of State and local initiatives that address disproportionality also are highlighted.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Prevalence

Potential explanations

Strategies to address racial disproportionality and disparities

Conclusion

Additional resources

References

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Tribal-State Relations
(Issue Briefs)
Intergenerational Patterns of Child Maltreatment: What the Evidence Shows
(Issue Briefs)
Family Engagement: Partnering With Families to Improve Child Welfare Outcomes
(Bulletins for Professionals)

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2016). Racial disproportionality and disparity in child welfare. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.