A Comparative Analysis of Child Welfare Services through the Eyes of African American, Caucasian, and Latino Parents

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to find if differences exist among 88 African American, Caucasian, and Latino families who received child welfare services. Method: A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional survey data employing standardized measures was used for this study. Family preservation (FP) services were received by 49 participants, and 39 participants were provided Family maintenance (FM) services. Results: Minority clients were likely to have more children, lower incomes, and receive public assistance, and 30% were monolingual Spanish speakers. African American and Latino parents reported more positive outcomes on children’s academic adjustment and symptomatic behavior than Caucasian parents when receiving FP services. Conclusion: When recommending child welfare services, workers need to take ethnicity into account as culturally sensitive and community-based programs, such as FP, may be more effective when serving ethnic or racial minority groups.