Children and youth who are diagnosed with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities face increased chances of adverse experiences and are more vulnerable to maltreatment. Children and youth with disabilities who are Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic and Latino are more likely to have these adverse experiences than their White peers and may face inequities in receiving supportive services. In addition, children and young people of color with disabilities often face language barriers and cultural biases when accessing services. They may also experience discrimination and stigma based on both their race and disability status, which can further limit their access to services and opportunities. Resources on this page provide information about children with disabilities who enter the child welfare system, links to national disability resources, and information regarding systemic inequities to ensure that all children and youth have access to services and support.
Addressing the Needs of Youth With Disabilities and Other Intersecting Identifies [Webinar]
The Council of State Governments
Provides various approaches States can take to design and implement programs that address the employment needs of youth with intersecting identities and leverage their unique strengths.
Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs in Foster Care
Sepulveda, Rosenberg, Sun, & Wilkins (2020)
Child Trends
Examines data surrounding the prevalence of children and youth with special needs and their experiences in out-of-home care followed by policy and practice implications.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
National Disability Institute
Focuses on data about employment, financial education and inequality, and independence with intentional inclusion of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx groups with disabilities.
Expanding Education Access for Black Girls With Disabilities
Buckles & Ives-Rublee (2022)
The Center for American Progress
Examines structural racism and racial disparities and their impacts on various aspects on the life of women and girls with disabilities and provides recommendations to make education more accessible.
Racial Disparities in Access to Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Children
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (2020)
Provides an overview of the Social Security Administrations' historical systemic racism that continues to impact the program today, the details of the process to apply, and policies and current inequities in the systems that are used to determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits or not.
Rental Assistance for Specific Groups
USA.gov (2022)
Offers information on the Federal non-elderly disabled voucher and links to local housing agencies that provide people with disabilities can find information on renting, owning a home, independent-living centers, and more.
Special Education Hacks: Making IEPs Work for Students in Foster Care [Webinar]
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2021)
Offers an overview of the special education eligibility and service delivery process. Additionally, it discusses strategies for improving individualized education programs (IEPs) and other related services.