A significantly greater proportion of African American children are in foster care than children of other races and ethnicities relative to their share of the general population. Given this situation, this report analyzes the: (1) major factors influencing their proportion in foster care; (2) strategies states and localities have implemented that appear promising; and (3) ways in which fed. policies may have influenced the proportion of African American children in foster care. This testimony is based on a report issued in July 2007 which included a nationwide survey; a review of research and policies; state site visits; analyses of child welfare data; and interviews with researchers, HHS officials, and other experts. It includes updates where possible. Charts and tables.

African American Children in Foster Care: HHS and Congressional Actions Could Help Reduce Proportion in Care

significantly greater proportion of African American children are in foster care than children of other races and ethnicities relative to their share of the general population. Given this situation, GAO was asked to analyze the (1) major factors influencing their proportion in foster care, (2) strategies states and localities have implemented that appear promising, and (3) ways in which federal policies may have influenced the proportion of African American children in foster care. This testimony is based on a GAO report issued in July 2007 (GAO-07-816), which included a nationwide survey; a review of research and policies; state site visits; analyses of child welfare data; and interviews with researchers, HHS officials, and other experts. It includes updates where possible. In our July 2007 report, GAO recommended that HHS further assist states in addressing disproportionality. HHS noted that GAO's recommendation was consistent with its efforts to provide technical assistance to states, but it has not addressed the specific actions. GAO continues to believe that further assistance is important for helping states address disproportionality. GAO also suggested that Congress consider

The issue of racial disproportionality in the child welfare system, particularly as it impacts African-American children and families, has long been a concern to practitioners and policymakers. However, disproportionality is not limited to the African-American community. Latino, Native-American, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander populations experience inequities in treatment. From leading voices on culturally-competent care comes a cutting-edge book that examines disproportionalities across all of these racial and ethnic groups. Eliminating Racial Disproportionality and Disparities examines a wide range of systems that often affect and interact with child welfare. Chapters are devoted to the juvenile justice system, mental health, the courts, education, and healthcare, making it the only book to offer a multisystemic approach to disparities and disproportionality. Filled with in-depth case studies, key terms, study questions, and resources, and written to reflect CSWE-mandated competencies, this expansive book gives students, educators, policymakers, practitioners, and administrators new knowledge for providing culturally competent services while simultaneously addressing disproportionality across various systems of care.

Organized around the theme of child well-being, this book provides an overview of child welfare's past and present with consideration of its future. Using case examples and discussion questions, this text engages readers in a critical examination of the challenges and strategies used to date to suggest possible directions for promoting the well-being of all children. Meanwhile, the "whole child" integrative approach to child welfare uniquely examines strategies to address children's physical, emotional, social, and psychological needs. Child welfare policy and practices are integrated throughout, thereby illustrating the context in which child welfare practice occurs and how practice and policy are connected. Current issues guiding practice with children who are especially at-risk are also explored, including children with disabilities, immigrant children, and youth who may have been trafficked. Child Welfare is a rich resource for social work students, child welfare practitioners, and administrators alike.