This section includes resources that focus on data-, evaluation-, and policy-related strategies for reducing and/or eliminating disproportionality and disparity within the child welfare system. It is critical for child welfare to focus on equity throughout the child welfare continuum, from prevention of abuse and neglect to adoption.
Data- and evaluation-focused strategies
By the Numbers: A Race for Results Case Study: Using Disaggregated Data to Inform Policies, Practices and Decision-Making
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2016)
Provides two case examples of the influence disaggregated data can have on moving systems toward equity and the lessons learned from those cases.
How to Embed a Racial and Ethnic Equity Perspective in Research (PDF - 443 KB)
Andrews, Parekh, & Peckoo (2019)
Child Trends
Answers questions from a researcher’s perspective about equity and provides equity principles to guide the research process. The resource describes how to apply the principles to four major stages of the research process, including 1) landscape assessment, 2) design and data collection, 3) data analysis, and 4) dissemination.
Placing Equity Concerns at the Center of Knowledge Development (PDF - 321 KB)
Farrow & Morrison (2019)
Center for the Study of Social Policy
Provides principles for and discusses the importance of centering equity when developing knowledge and evidence through research and evaluation.
Reflections on Applying Principles of Equitable Evaluation (PDF - 324 KB)
Stern, Guckenburg, Persson, & Petrosino (2019)
WestEd Justice and Prevention Research Center
Defines what equitable evaluation is in contrast to traditional evaluation and describes how equitable evaluation principles can be implemented in studies.
Using Data in DCYF To Advance Racial Equity
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Office of Innovation, Alignment, and Accountability (2020)
Discusses ways to improve agencywide issues by coordinating resources and information systems to strengthen the mission of achieving equity.
Policy-focused strategies
Achieving Racial Equity: Child Welfare Policy Strategies to Improve Outcomes for Children of Color (PDF - 13,619 KB)
Martin & Connelly (2015)
Center for the Study of Social Policy
Highlights four policy-related strategies and related funding strategies to reduce disproportionality and disparities.
ICWA
Capacity Building Center for Tribes, Tribal Information Exchange (2019)
Shares an overview of and resources for successful implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The resource describes the disproportionality of American Indian/Alaska Native children in the foster care system and how noncompliance with ICWA further perpetuates their overrepresentation.
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Toolkit
University of California Berkeley, School of Social Welfare, California Social Work Education Center (2019)
Provides information regarding the history, successful implementation, and evaluation of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This toolkit is provided partially to address the disproportionate participation of and disparate access to services for children who are Native American in the child welfare system.
Tools for Thought: Using Racial Equity Impact Assessments for Effective Policymaking (PDF - 2,340 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2016)
Emphasizes the significance of measuring the effect proposed legislation will have on people of color and advocates for racial equity impact assessments as a possible solution. The resource describes how Seattle and Minneapolis utilized these tools.