Racial Disproportionality refers to the overrepresentation of children of color in child and family serving systems, and can be attributed to multiple factors including racism, poverty, less than responsive organizational culture and service strategies, and inadequate resources.
Like other child and family serving systems across the country, ACS, has undertaken an effort to address the systemic issues that contribute to disproportionality.
The ACS Racial Equity and Cultural Competence Committee supports the development of a child welfare and juvenile justice system that responds respectfully and effectively to people of all racial and cultural backgrounds.
The mission of the Racial Equity and Cultural Competence Committee is to promote racial equity throughout child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care, and education systems. We do so by:
Informing policies, training, hiring practices, and program practice guidelines where needed to ensure continuity and sustainability in promoting equitable outcomes for children, families, and staff.
ACS established the Taskforce on Racial Equity and Cultural Competency in 2006 to support the development of a system of directly provided and contracted services that responds respectfully and effectively to people of all racial and cultural backgrounds. In 2011, the Task Force was renamed the Racial Equity and Cultural Competence Committee, and includes a diverse representation of Children’s Services staff, and external stakeholders and professionals committed to achieving its goals.
Historical Child Welfare Timeline Exhibit: A Transformational Experience
Get involved in the lives of children in your community. Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach.
Get involved in the lives of children in your community. Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach.
Get involved in the lives of children in your community. Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach.