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, questioning, or other diverse identities) equity in child welfare.
Confronting Racism, Engaging Partners, Finding Solutions (PDF - 2,099 KB)
CW360, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (2021)
Explores racism in the child welfare system and offers approaches and solutions to address racial disproportionality and disparity.
Definitions of Common LGBTQ Concepts and Terms
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2021)
Defines common terms relating to the LGBTQ+ community and promotes the use of accurate, inclusive language.
Disproportionality and Race Equity in Child Welfare
National Conference of State Legislatures (2021)
Offers information on disproportionality and racial equity in the child welfare system and provides definitions, statistics, a list of Federal and State laws relating to equity, and links to additional resources.
Equity vs. Equality and Other Racial Justice Definitions
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2021)
Offers definitions of core concepts around race equity that can help groups communicate effectively about race.
National Call to Action on Racial Equity [Video]
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Discusses the Administration for Children and Families’ release of Equity in Action: Prioritizing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Information Memorandum, which promotes racial equity as a critical factor to advance the well-being of children and families.
Racial Equity in the Child Welfare System With Dr. Jessica PryceM [Webinar]
Strategies TA (2021)
Shares a webinar focused on racial equality in the child welfare system, including a review of the history of disproportionality and information on how to reduce racial inequalities.
What is Disproportionality in Child Welfare? (PDF - 713 KB)
National Indian Child Welfare Association (2021)
Reviews the overrepresentation of American Indian and Alaska Native children in the child welfare system and provides a discussion of how to address this disproportionality.