The racial disproportionality in the child welfare system is high among black children, say the study’s four co-authors, and mounting evidence suggests that this disparity is not attributable to bias on behalf of child welfare workers or child welfare policies.
“The field needs to focus more attention on the problems facing black families and their children, and the related risks to black children victimized by maltreatment and in need of protection and services,” argue the report’s four co-authors: Elizabeth Bartholet, Fred Wulczyn, Richard P. Barth, and Cindy Lederman.
This report summarizes discussions on the subject at a 2011 conference held by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. It moves beyond the discussion of why racial disparity exists to policy options aimed at addressing maltreatment and neglect of black children.
Click here to read the report.