Children from different identity groups are often represented disproportionately in the child welfare system and may receive disparate services resulting in disparate outcomes. This section includes issues such as overrepresentation in the child welfare system, underrepresentation in support services, inequitable investigations for suspected cases of maltreatment, and disparities in decision-making. Additionally, this section provides resources on pursuing racial and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) equity in child welfare.
Key Equity Terms and Concepts: A Glossary for Shared Understanding (PDF - 463 KB)
Center for the Study of Social Policy (2019)
Defines key terms and concepts related to equity.
Race and Child Welfare Summer Institute 2016: Local Perspectives on Racial Disproportionality [Video]
University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, Center on Race and Social Problems (2016)
Presents perspectives related to disproportionality in the child welfare system, including a discussion on contributing factors. The resource identifies the points at which child welfare involvement disparities are highest between youth of color and youth who are white.
The State of Adoption in America [Infographic]
Regis College, Online Master of Social Work Program (2019)
Visualizes information and statistics related to adoption in the United States, including a specific section focusing on the disproportionality and disparity of children of color in adoption. The infographic presents possible causes of and strategies to address disproportionality and disparities.