Disproportionality in Child Welfare

Child welfare disproportionality is another outcome indicator for our strategic priority to eliminate racial disproportionality and advance racial equity. DCYF tracks disproportionality in Child Welfare across multiple decision points, using Disproportionality Ratios. Scores of 0 – 0.99 indicate that, compared to its proportion in the population, a group is underrepresented at that decision point, while scores of 1.1 and greater indicate that a group is overrepresented. Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and White children and youth are overrepresented compared to their representation in the underlying population.

Much of these disproportionalities in placement are attributable to disproportionalities at intake.

Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality Ratios for All Child Welfare Intakes (Screened Out or Screened-In), 2014-2022
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Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality Ratios for Screened-In Child Welfare Intakes, 2014-2022
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Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality Ratios for Child Welfare Removals, 2014-2021
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