Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose: The existence of racial disproportionality in the child welfare system has been well documented in multiple studies. According to national data, 35 percent of children in foster care are African American, although African American children represent only 15 percent of the child population in the U.S. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). This is a concern as numerous studies have found no significant differences in the actual incidence of maltreatment among children of different racial groups (Hill, 2006). While the existence of disproportionality has been established, it has been more difficult to identify the factors contributing to disproportionality. Studies identifying contributing factors have relied largely on quantitative analyses of state and national datasets. While these studies have provided valuable information, little information is available that identifies the factors contributing to disproportionality from the viewpoints of those most significantly affected by the issue. This presentation will report the results of a study designed to develop a deeper understanding of disproportionality from the views of multiple community stakeholders. Using a participatory action research approach with focus groups as the method of data collection, data were collected to provide a greater depth of information that could be used alongside existing studies to advance understanding of this issue.

Method: 15 focus groups were conducted with community members (n=57), legal professionals (n=18), and child welfare caseworkers (n=18) in two communities most significantly affected by disproportionality in one state. Focus groups followed a semi-structured interview agenda and were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted through a series of phases involving an inductive process using the constant comparative method. First-round coding was conducted independently by the researchers to identify emerging themes and develop a conceptual framework for further analyses. Following this phase, axial coding was conducted by applying the identified themes to each transcribed statement. A final round of analysis was conducted to identify patterns in themes and develop a conceptual model explaining disproportionality in these communities. This model is the result of three independent codings by the researchers and represents the views expressed by participants.

Results: The analyses resulted in the identification of ten themes across three domains: the agency, the community, and the shared intersection of the agency and the community. Agency factors include the agency climate, disparate response to African American families, ineffective interventions, and workforce issues. Community factors include environmental issues, community breakdown, and barriers to resources. Shared factors include a lack of cultural sensitivity, barriers to kinship care, and lack of engagement between the agency and community.

Implications: This study provides new information that can be used to advance understanding of disproportionality in child welfare. This study also addresses the importance of obtaining data from the community when attempting to understand issues directly affecting the community. Additional implications for policy, practice, and research will be addressed.

References:

Hill, R. (2006). Synthesis of research on disproportionality in child welfare. Seattle, WA: Casey Family Programs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). AFCARS report. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/afcars/tar/report10.htm.