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Using racial disproportionality and disparity indicators to measure child welfare outcomes

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  • Tilbury, Clare
  • Thoburn, June

Abstract

This article examines the utility of racial disproportionality and disparity data to measure the performance and outcomes of child welfare systems. Given the differential patterns of entry, exit and service responses for black, indigenous and ethnic minority children in many child welfare systems around the world, the conceptualisation of both quality and outcomes should take account of their needs. Clarity is required about which dimensions of effectiveness are measured by racial disparity indicators, in order to design strategies to address its causes and consequences. The article discusses how data on racial disproportionality and disparity can be used, as part of a suite of performance indicators, to highlight issues regarding the quality, equity and accessibility of child welfare services.

Suggested Citation

  • Tilbury, Clare & Thoburn, June, 2009. "Using racial disproportionality and disparity indicators to measure child welfare outcomes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(10), pages 1101-1106, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:31:y:2009:i:10:p:1101-1106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Needell, Barbara & Brookhart, M. Alan & Lee, Seon, 2003. "Black children and foster care placement in California," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 393-408.
    2. Barth, Richard P. & Webster, Daniel & Lee, Seon, 2002. "Adoption of American Indian Children: Implications for implementing the Indian Child Welfare and Adoption and Safe Families Acts," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(3), pages 139-158, March.
    3. Richard P. Barth & Barbara Needell, 1997. "Using Performance Indicators With Child Welfare Policy Makers and Managers," JCPR Working Papers 15, Northwestern University/University of Chicago Joint Center for Poverty Research.
    4. Hines, Alice M & Lemon, Kathy & Wyatt, Paige & Merdinger, Joan, 2004. "Factors related to the disproportionate involvement of children of color in the child welfare system: a review and emerging themes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 507-527, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bywaters, Paul & Brady, Geraldine & Sparks, Tim & Bos, Elizabeth & Bunting, Lisa & Daniel, Brigid & Featherstone, Brid & Morris, Kate & Scourfield, Jonathan, 2015. "Exploring inequities in child welfare and child protection services: Explaining the ‘inverse intervention law’," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 98-105.
    2. Kim, Hansung & Chenot, David & Ji, Juye, 2011. "Racial/ethnic disparity in child welfare systems: A longitudinal study utilizing the Disparity Index (DI)," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1234-1244, July.
    3. Delfabbro, Paul & Hirte, Craig & Rogers, Nancy & Wilson, Ros, 2010. "The over-representation of young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in the South Australian child system: A longitudinal analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1418-1425, October.
    4. Lee, Daniel Hyung Jik & Huerta, Christina & Farmer, Elizabeth M.Z., 2021. "Kinship navigation: Facilitating permanency and equity for youth in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    5. Ahn, Haksoon & Xu, Yanfeng & Williams, Kimberly A. & Parks-Bourn, Kimberly & Williams, Syreeta & Conway, Denise, 2022. "Family team decision meeting and child welfare service disparities: The influence of race and poverty," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    6. Garcia, Antonio R. & Circo, Elizabeth & DeNard, Christina & Hernandez, Natalie, 2015. "Barriers and facilitators to delivering effective mental health practice strategies for youth and families served by the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 110-122.
    7. Webb, Calum & Bywaters, Paul & Scourfield, Jonathan & Davidson, Gavin & Bunting, Lisa, 2020. "Cuts both ways: Ethnicity, poverty, and the social gradient in child welfare interventions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    8. Chenot, David & Benton, Amy D. & Iglesias, Michelle & Boutakidis, Ioakim, 2019. "Ethnic matching: A two-state comparison of child welfare workers' attitudes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 24-31.
    9. Boyd, Reiko, 2014. "African American disproportionality and disparity in child welfare: Toward a comprehensive conceptual framework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 15-27.

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