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Disproportionality

Almost 9,000 African American children are in substitute care in Texas. This is 29 percent of the children in our state's care, even though African American children represent only 12 percent of the children in the state. Disproportionality is the term experts use to describe this overrepresentation and disparity in treatment.

Studies show that African American parents are no more likely to abuse or neglect their children than parents of any other race. Yet African American children are four times more likely to be placed in care than white children. In Texas, disproportionality increases at each stage in the Child Protective Services (CPS) system. This means that African American children:

Stay in foster care longer
Have more placements while in care
Receive fewer services while in care
Have lower high school graduation rates
Leave the system less prepared for adulthood than their Caucasian peers

The issue of disproportionality is complex. It involves individuals, families, communities and systems. Disproportionality is embedded in the structure of our system-in policy, practice, and in the relationship between social workers and their clients. Advocates for children and families know that no organization or individual can reverse the effects of disproportionality without the help of many partners.

Texas CPS is convening a state-level task force to join in addressing the root causes of disproportionality and finding sustainable solutions to the problem. The task force will include members from other systems – like education, mental health, and juvenile justice as well as community advocates from across the state.

There are twelve Disproportionality Specialists throughout the state of Texas, at least one in every region. Disproportionality Specialists responsibilities include engaging community, stakeholders, families and youth, exposing our data and forming a Disproportionality Advisory Committee to address disproportionality within the Child Welfare system in Texas. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved in helping to address disproportionality, please contact your local Disproportionality Specialist.