Achieve Racial Equity in Child Welfare Services

Research, Evaluation and Data Based Decisionmaking

Through the collection and analysis of data, states can better understand the extent and dimensions of racial disproportionality in their jurisdictions. This understanding enables agencies to diagnose systemic problems and assess the impact of various reform efforts. Seven states—Connecticut ,Illinois , Indiana , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota and Washington —passed legislation requiring their child welfare agencies to submit annual reports to the public on progress in reducing disproportionality.

The annual reports include information on the numbers of children of color in the child welfare system, activities and programs created to address disproportionality, progress made to date, and policy and practice recommendations addressed to lawmakers and stakeholders. These reports are effective strategies for educating the public about the extent and nature of racial disproportionality and disparities and the efforts being undertaken to address them. They also serve as means for ensuring that progress is measured against pre-established benchmarks and that the agencies are held accountable for their progress.