April 9, 2025
There is a deep-seated distrust of the child welfare system within the Black community, stemming from a history of racial bias and systemic inequities. The fear of children being “snatched up” by “the system” and placed in the control of strangers is all too real.
Black parents are more likely to have Child Protective Services (CPS) called on them. Black children are more likely to be removed from their homes and tend to spend more time in foster care. Socioeconomic factors and race play a significant role in these disparities.
Experts say understanding and addressing the historical context of the child welfare system is crucial to creating a more equitable, culturally competent, and supportive system that best serves children, particularly those disproportionately affected by past and present injustices.