PUBLICATIONS

Disproportionality in Child Welfare

About the Report

In 2007, the Washington State Legislature passed, and Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law, a bill requiring the state to produce a study on racial disproportionality and a remediation plan for reducing it.

On Wednesday, June 25, 2008 the statewide Advisory Committee on Racial Disproportionality presented to DSHS Secretary Robin Arnold-Williams its report on Racial Disproportionality in Washington's Child Welfare System.

The report finds that Native American, Black and Hispanic children are over-represented in the child welfare system compared with White children, and that the disproportionality exists statewide. Hispanic children are referred to the system more frequently than white children, but disproportionality ends there.

In December 2008, the Advisory Committee presented the racial disproportionality and disparity Remediation Plan to Arnold-Williams, who forwarded it on to the Legislature.

Report on Racial Disproportionality in Washington's Child Welfare System - 2nd Edition

Racial Disproportionality and Disparity in Washington State Child Welfare - Remediation Plan

• Letter to The Honorable Ruth Kagi - December 19, 2008
• Letter to The Honorable James Hargrove - December 19, 2008

Comments on the Report on Racial Disproportionality in Washington's Child Welfare System - documents the comments the Committee solicited and received through its Community Outreach efforts. (February 2009)

Contact

For more information on racial disproportionality, to schedule a briefing or presentation, or to comment on the report please send an e-mail to Mireya Beltre or call her (360) 902-7899.