Using Organizational Assessment to Promote Equity

Race Equity Review: Findings from a Qualitative Analysis of Racial Disproportionality and Disparity for African American Children and Families in Michigan’s Child Welfare System In a bold step to tackle racial disproportionality and disparity, the state of Michigan’s Department of Human Services initiated an intensive review of their policies, procedures and case practice with a team of national experts, local leaders, and stakeholders. Led by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, the team implemented a qualitative Race Equity Review to identify policies and practices that directly negatively impact African American children and families. Issues surfaced by the review include: lack of belief in the ability of African American families and communities to care for children; limited case and community advocacy for African American families; the failure to build an infrastructure of policy, practice and resources that contributes to an environment which supports fair outcomes for African American children and families, and the lack of accountability for results.