Racial disproportionality occurs in the child welfare system when the population of children of color in foster care is higher than that of the general population. The greatest disproportionality is seen at the initial referral to CPS, the decision to remove a child from the home, and for children who remain in care over two years. Mandated reporters submit most referrals to CPS and their exposure bias contributes to higher disproportionality rates. Poverty also increases the likelihood of removal due to exposure bias, though poverty alone does not increase the likelihood of abuse or neglect. Native American, African American, and Hispanic children experience higher rates of referral and time in foster care compared to white children.

1. How we have perpetuated this significant problem, and how we can help improve the system. Racial Disproportionality

2. What is it? The greatest disproportionality for children of color occurs when: The initial referral to CPS is made. The decision to remove the child from their home is made. A child is in care for over two years. Washington State Racial Disproportionality Advisory “ Racial disproportionality occurs when the population of children of color in any system including the child welfare system is higher than the population of children of color in the general population.”

3. Right Now… Seen significant improvements for ALL children in foster care systems through state focus Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1472: work on disproportionality in WA Six-year commitment

4. MANDATED REPORTER In 2004, mandated reporters submitted about 60% of all referrals to CPS. 80% of children who were removed from home were referred by mandated reporters. Exposure bias. Racial disproportionality is consistently greater for mandated reporters.

5. LOW INCOME African American, American Indian and Hispanic children are almost 3 times as likely to be poor as White and Asian children Parent’s income level was the major determinant of whether child removed from home Again, exposure bias Families of color who live in poverty are no more likely to abuse or neglect their children

6. NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN: 3 times as likely referred to CPS 1.6 times more likely removed from home. 2.2 times more likely to remain in care over 2 years ASIAN CHILDREN: Less likely referred to CPS More likely adopted within 2 years AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN: 2 times as likely referred to CPS 1.2 times more likely to remain in care over 2 years As likely to reunify with parents within 2 years. HISPANIC CHILDREN: 1.3 times as likely referred to CPS No more likely removed or in care over 2 yrs Statistics in Washington State Compared to White Children:

7. Children of single-parent families are more likely to be in the child welfare system 25% of children live in a single parent home. Children in foster care that were living with single parents at time of out home placement: 62% of Asian children 88% of Black children 74% of White children SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES IN WA

8. REGION 3 (Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish) Native American children: More likely to be removed from home More likely to remain in care for over two years African American children: More likely to be removed from home More likely to remain in care for over two years Hispanic children: As likely to be removed from home Less likely to be in care for over 60 days or in care for over two years

9. Consult with other states, such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan to gain knowledge and lessons Be aware of our role in disproportionality Indian Child Welfare Act and American Indian racial disproportionality What can we do?

10. Questions or Comments? For a full report visit: http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ca/RaceDisproReport.pdf