Comparative analysis of two community-based efforts designed to impact disproportionality.
Children of color are overrepresented in child welfare in Iowa at a rate double their percentage of the population. In 2005 the Iowa Department of Human Services implemented two pilot demonstration projects to address overrepresentation of Native American and African American children in the child welfare system. The projects, called the Minority Youth and Families Initiative (MYFI), included ongoing evaluation. Results obtained over two years indicate improved worker and participant alliance, family functioning, and outcomes for children. Findings are discussed and recommendations are provided for further improvements in practice, research, and evaluation to reduce racial disparities the child welfare system.
Richardson
Brad
B
University of Iowa School of Social Work, National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. brad-richardson@uiowa.edu
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011287:Prejudice; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014861:Washington; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data