undoing racial disproportionality in foster care!

NYS Office of Children & Family ServicesNYS Office of Children & Family Services

Undoing Racial Disproportionality in Undoing Racial Disproportionality in Foster Care!Foster Care!

The People’s Institute For Survival and Beyond

A Symposium on Reducing Racial Disproportionality and Disparities

in the Child Welfare System

Monday, September 21, 2009

9AM to 5PM

Baruch College Mason Hall


PresenterPresenter

Gregory Owens, LMSW

Director of Special Projects

Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Development

NYS Office of Children & Family Services


IssuesIssues


DisparitiesDisparities Although African Americans constituted 15% of the

child population of the United States in 1999, they accounted for 45% of the children in substitute care. (Derezotes,Poertner & Testa, 2005)

Caucasian children, who constituted 60% of the U.S. child population, accounted for only 36% of the children in out-of-home care (Derezotes,Poertner & Testa, 2005)

Research Roundtable on Children of Color in Child Welfare System (2002)

• Greater Removal Rate even when levels of abuse are the same• More time in Foster Care• Parallel’s and Interaction with disparities in other systems


Black, Latino, and First Nation YouthBlack, Latino, and First Nation Youthare: Less likely to receive appropriate health care More likely to encounter environmental toxins More likely to receive punitive and restrictive

segregating interventions More likely to interact with underpaid, overworked,

low-status, demoralized professionals/paraprofessionals

More likely be suspended, expelled,, adjudicated, and sent to juvenile justice facilities

Osher, 2002


DisparitiesDisparities “Children of color receive fewer familial

visits, fewer contacts with caseworkers, fewer written case plans, and fewer developmental or psychological assessments, and they tend to remain in foster care placement longer.” (Stukes Chipungu and Bent-Goodley, 2004)

Families of children of color have access to fewer services.

• E.g., even though substance-abuse rates are high among African-American families involved in foster care, community-based substance-abuse treatment frequently is not available or accessible to these families. (Stukes Chipungu and Bent-Goodley, 2004)


Components of DisparitiesComponents of Disparities

Disproportionate Risk Disproportionate Access Disproportionate Treatment Disproportionate Outcomes Differential Evidence/Treatment Base


Disparities not Unique to Child Disparities not Unique to Child WelfareWelfare

Criminal justice Health care Mental health Homelessness Victims of violent crime Special education


Health Care & African AmericansHealth Care & African Americans

• Rate of diabetes is more than three times that of whites

• HIV/AIDS more than seven times that of whites• Infant mortality twice that of whites• Life span differential


Treatment DifferentialsTreatment Differentials

Minorities are less likely than whites to get…

• proper heart medication, heart bypass surgery• kidney dialysis & transplants

Gap greatest between blacks & whites Blacks on Medicare more likely to have their

lower limbs amputated• diabetes

Institute of Medicine


Mental HealthMental Health

Surgeon General’s report on inequities• Disparities in availability, accessibility, & quality of

mental health services for racial and ethnic minorities


Homelessness & African Homelessness & African AmericansAmericans

44% of homeless population 3.5 times more AA than whites are

homeless• Overrepresentation includes many women, children &

youth


Victims of Violent CrimeVictims of Violent Crime AA of all ages are more likely to be the

victims of serious violent crime than are whites.

At greater risk of knowing someone who had suffered violence• Greater risk not associated with SES differences or

differences in area of residence


Impacts Across DomainsImpacts Across Domains Health > Mental Health, Education,

Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice Mental Health > Health, Education,

Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare Education > Mental Health, Juvenile

Justice


Why Does DMR Exist?Why Does DMR Exist?

Disproportionate Need Disproportionate Attention Biased Decision-Making Fewer Community Resources Visibility Theory – Less & therefore

more visible.


DisproportionalityDisproportionality

Disproportionality exists when a group makes up a proportion of those experiencing some event (SCR report or foster care placement) that is higher or lower than that group’s proportion in the population


Race/Ethnicity and the Path through the Child Welfare Race/Ethnicity and the Path through the Child Welfare System, 2006System, 2006

New York State

19% 26% 29%44% 47%

20%21%

24%

21% 20%54% 37% 33%

22% 19%

7%

1% 1% 0% 0%13% 13% 14%15%

0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Child Population(n=4,524,996)

Children in SCRReports

(n=210,764)

SubstantiatedReports

(n=72,754)

Foster CareEntries

(n=14,240)

In Care(n=27,014)

Black Hispanic White Asian/PI Other/Unknown

New York City

28%40% 42%

56% 57%

33%

37% 40%

33% 28%27%

7%6%

4% 4%11%

3% 2% 1% 1%13% 10%

11%7%0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

ChildPopulation

(n=1,959,308)

Children inSCR Reports(n=82,662)


(n=32,744)

Foster CareEntries

(n=7,622)

In Care(n=16,696)


Rest of State

11% 17% 18%30% 32%10%

10% 11%

7% 7%

75%56% 55% 43% 44%

3%

1% 1% 0% 0%

16% 15% 19% 18%

0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

ChildPopulation

(n=2,565,688)

Children inSCR Reports(n=128,102)


(n=40,010)

Foster CareEntries

(n=6,618)

In Care(n=10,318)



Black Children are Overrepresented in Black Children are Overrepresented in Child Welfare SystemChild Welfare System

Black children make up a substantially higher percentage of the child welfare population at each stage in the process than their share of the general population of children under 18.

The overrepresentation of black children increases steadily with progression through the child welfare system, from SCR report to foster care placement.


Rate of Children Reported to SCR, Indicated for Abuse/Neglect, Admitted Rate of Children Reported to SCR, Indicated for Abuse/Neglect, Admitted to Foster Care, and In Care Per 1,000 Children < 18 in Populationto Foster Care, and In Care Per 1,000 Children < 18 in Population

New York State

66.3

25.2

15.1

47.9

5.8

31.7

9.82.1

7.419.0

3.31.30

20

40

60

80

SCR Reports IndicatedReports

Foster CareEntries

In CareRate Per 1000 Children < 18

Black Hispanic White

New York City

59.6

24.6

16.9

7.111.7

1.2

7.7

47.0

19.8

3.83.8 0.50

20

40

60

80


Foster CareEntries



Rest of State79.5

26.2

11.6

50.0

17.0

37.1

7.0

2.71.911.5 2.31.50

20

40

60

80


Foster CareEntries




Rates of Reports, Indications, and Foster Rates of Reports, Indications, and Foster Care Highest for Black ChildrenCare Highest for Black Children

As measured by rate per 1000 children in population, black children are more likely than Hispanic children, and Hispanic children are more likely than white children, to be reported to SCR, indicated for abuse/neglect, admitted to foster care, and in care.


Rate of Children Indicated for Abuse/Neglect Per 1,000 Children Rate of Children Indicated for Abuse/Neglect Per 1,000 Children < 18 in Population, by Age< 18 in Population, by Age

New York State

42.4

22.4

28.7

19.014.4

10.1 10.0 8.6

26.722.4

14.8 21.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Under 1 1-5 years 6-12 Years 13-17 Years

Indication Rate per 1,000

Children < 18


New York City

38.0

19.624.0

14.2

4.5 2.7 4.0 4.7

26.831.5

19.9 23.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


Indication Rate per 1,000

Children < 18


Rest of State

52

16.6 16.7 16.617.9

12.6 11.5 9.5

19.5

26.728.4

22.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


Indication Rate Per 1,000

Children < 18



Indication Rates Highest for InfantsIndication Rates Highest for Infants

Regardless of race/ethnicity, infants have the highest likelihood of being indicated for abuse/neglect.

The rate of indication for black infants is particularly high in rest of state.


Rate of Children Admitted to Foster Care Per 1,000 Children < 18 Rate of Children Admitted to Foster Care Per 1,000 Children < 18 in Population, by Agein Population, by Age

New York State

19.6

8.09.2

2.6 2.34.1

3.11.0 0.8

1.8

6.8 5.5

0

5

10

15

20

25


Rate of per 1,000 Children

Under 18


New York City

20.1

7.7

11.5

3.1 2.94.5

1.50.4 0.5 0.5

5.97.2

0

5

10

15

20

25



Under 18


Rest of State

18.6

8.6

3.2

5.94.7

1.01.2

4.4

2.00.91.23.7

0

5

10

15

20

25



Under 18



Foster Care Admission Rates Highest for Foster Care Admission Rates Highest for InfantsInfants

Regardless of race/ethnicity, infants have the highest likelihood of being admitted to foster care.

The rate of placement in foster care is particularly high for black infants in both NYC and rest of state.


DisparityDisparity

Black Disparity Index

7.4331.278

= 5.816

Race/ Ethnicity

Foster Care Admission Rate per 1,000 Children

Black 7.433

White 1.278

Disparity refers to lack of equality among racial/ethnic groups in the likelihood of being reported to SCR, indicated for abuse or neglect, or placed in foster care. Disparity index is ratio of rate per 1000 for black children (or Hispanics) relative to rate for white children.


Disparity Rates for Black and Hispanic Children (vs Whites)Disparity Rates for Black and Hispanic Children (vs Whites)

New York State

7.2

2.8

2.62.1

5.8

2.61.91.50

4

8

12

16

20


Foster CareEntries

In Care

DisparityRate

Black Disparity Hispanic Disparity

New York City

6.4

13.9

5.8

14.1

5.1

7.15.2

4.0

0

4

8

12

16

20


Foster CareEntries

In Care

Disparity Rate


Rest of State

5.0

1.1

4.7

2.32.11.3

1.51.30

4

8

12

16

20


Foster CareEntries

In Care

Disparity Rate



Disparity Rates are Highest forDisparity Rates are Highest for Black Children Black Children

Relative to white children, black children are 2.1 times as likely to be reported to SCR, 2.6 times as likely to be indicated, 5.8 times likelier to be admitted to foster care, and 7.2 times likelier to be in care.

Hispanic disparity rate is more moderate, ranging from 1.5 for reports to 2.8 for in care.

Disparity rates for both blacks and Hispanics are more pronounced in NYC than in ROS. Black children in NYC are 14.1 times as likely as white children to be placed in foster care.


43.1%

4.2%

19.2%

25.9%

6.7% 29.5%

55.5%

44.1%

20.7%

0.5% 0.4%

0.4%

0.1% 0.2%

0.5%4.8%

1.3% 2.6%4.5% 2.9%

0.3%

4.4%9.8%18.4%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Rest of State (n=8,899)

New York City(n=14,275)

New YorkState

(n=23,174)

Unknown

Other

Multiple

Native American/AlaskaNativeAsian/Pacific Islander

Hispanic

Black

White

Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children <18 Years in Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children <18 Years in Foster Care on 12/31/2008Foster Care on 12/31/2008


Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children <18 Years in Foster Care at End of Calendar Year<18 Years in Foster Care at End of Calendar Year

StatewideStatewide

19.4% 18.9% 19.2%

43.9%

19.8% 20.5%

44.0% 44.1%

20.7%0.4%

0.4%0.4% 0.2%

0.2%0.2%2.4%

2.4%2.6%2.3%2.9%1.4%

11.3% 9.8%12.5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2006(n=24,058)

2007(n=23,542)

2008(n=23,174)

Unknown

Other

Multiple


Hispanic

Black

White


Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth <18 Years in OCFS Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth <18 Years in OCFS Custody on 12/31/2008Custody on 12/31/2008

Note: This includes all youth in OCFS facilities, voluntary agencies, aftercare and day placement.


Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth <18 Years in OCFS Custody at End of Calendar Year <18 Years in OCFS Custody at End of Calendar Year

StatewideStatewide

22.9%

2.1%10.7%

56.2%

17.9%

30.8%

63.9%

60.7%

25.5%1.1% 0.8%0.3%0.1% 0.2%0.3%

2.3% 1.9% 2.1%0.1% 0.1%0.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Rest of State(n=981)


New YorkState (n=2,365)

Unknown

Other


Hispanic

Black

White

Note: This includes all youth in OCFS facilities, voluntary agencies, aftercare and day placement.


18.6%

4.1%

42.7%

44.9%

20.5% 28.7%

55.9%

26.7%

6.7%

0.5%

0.4%

0.5%

0.1%

0.4%

0.2%

5.5%

5.0%

5.3%

5.2%

18.0%10.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

New York State(n=26,161)


Rest of State(n=9,819)

Unknown

Other

Native American/AlaskaNative

Asian/Pacific Islander

Hispanic

Black

White

Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children in Foster Care Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children in Foster Care on 12/31/2008on 12/31/2008


18.7% 18.2% 18.6%

44.7%

19.5% 20.2%

44.8% 44.9%

20.5%0.4%

0.5%0.4%

0.2%

0.2%0.2%

4.5%5.3%3.7%

11.7% 10.0%12.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2006 (n=26,926) 2007 (n=26,451) 2008 (n=26,161)

Unknown

Other

Native American/AlaskaNative

Asian/Pacific Islander

Hispanic

Black

White

Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Children in Foster Care at End of Calendar Yearin Foster Care at End of Calendar Year

StatewideStatewide


Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth in OCFS Custody on Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth in OCFS Custody on 12/31/200812/31/2008


Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth Trend 2006-2008: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Youth in OCFS Custody at End of Calendar Year in OCFS Custody at End of Calendar Year

StatewideStatewide


Cumulative Time to Discharge to Permanent Cumulative Time to Discharge to Permanent Home for CY2001 Admission CohortHome for CY2001 Admission Cohort

White children are discharged from foster care faster than black or Hispanic children.


OCFS EffortsOCFS Efforts


An Overview of 1994-2006An Overview of 1994-2006 Informal conversations reveal similar

work by colleagues in CW and JJ Collaboration and sharing of

information and data 2003 meeting with OCFS leadership Ad hoc work group


Presentations to regional office and OCFS division staff

Attempted videoconference 2004 Attempted symposium 2006 GAO report National experts provide training and overview

of issues Citizen Review Panels request emphasis on

DMR


Overview of the period 2007 - 2009Overview of the period 2007 - 2009


Formal Agency Committee recognized and support by OCFS Executive Office - 3 co chairs

Division specific sub committees & work plans Monthly reports from divisions to executive

office Quarterly reports from OCFS to Governors

Office Agency definition of cultural competence Commitment letter signed by agency

leadership


Regular collection of state and county data on disparity rates

Erie County Videoconference Requiring race/ethnicity data from CFSR/PIP

counties Embed DMR work in CFSR/PIP Commitment to training for OCFS and support

for districts Governors Juvenile Justice Task Force – DMC

focus Growth from DMR/CC to Racial Equity &

Cultural Competence


Work with Casey Family Programs Work with Westchester County Court

Catalyzing Change Committee Content specific presentations to

agency staff on working within a cross cultural context

October Commissioners’ videoconference with national experts


The Vision for the FutureThe Vision for the Future


Work in counties with high placement and racial disparity indices

Cross system efforts to address high disparities

Commitment to reduce and ultimately eliminate racial and ethnic disparities


Anticipated Benefits Anticipated Benefits Reduced placements Cost

Benefit/Reinvestment Opportunity

Reduced length of stay – time in care

Enhanced services Improved practice More effective policies

Opportunities to energize work force

Work with under represented groups (CBVH work)

Form new partnerships & collaborations – faith community, emerging CBOs


ChallengesChallenges Requires new and different leadership styles

and competencies Constant focus on outcomes for children

and families not just the system Overcome reluctance to hold up the mirror

and look at our practice and policy (public and agency)

Different supervisory skills to match the different practice that is required – cultural competence


Measure and monitor Target geographically Use data Cross system communication with

stakeholders and partners from systems that have impact on the problem early in the process

Support with funding

undoing racial disproportionality in foster care!

Documents