In 2011, more than half of the children entering foster care in the U.S. were children of color.

Black or African American children are disproportionately more likely than other children to be reported, investigated, substantiated, and placed in foster care.

Twenty-seven percent of the children in foster care are African American, double the percent of African American children in the population in America.

Children of color, especially black children, and often American Indian children, face significant disparity within the child welfare system. They are more likely to have longer placements in out-of-home care, are less likely to receive comprehensive services, and are less likely to reunify with their families than white children.

Learn More

• Read more facts about foster care in the U.S.
• Learn about the role of child welfare systems in providing care and services for children in state custody.
• Find out how Children’s Rights improves failing foster care system through our child welfare reform campaigns and policy advocacy.