Overrepresentation of Black children in the child welfare system: A systematic review to understand and better act

Abstract

• Overrepresentation of Black youth in CPS is persistent in Western societies. • Sociodemographic factors (e.g., race, SES) increase risk of overrepresentation. • Racial discrimination is the most reported factor associated with this overrepresentation. • Adoption of anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices may improve care. • Colleges and universities have a role to play in providing adequate antiracist training. The overrepresentation of Black children in child protection services has been reported continuously in Western societies, but remains poorly understood. This systematic review’s objective was: (1) to confirm or refute the existence of racial disparities and the overrepresentation of Black youth in child protection services in countries where Black communities constitute a minority; (2) to analyze the risk and protective factors associated with these observations. Our study confirmed the overrepresentation of Black youth and their disproportionate representation across stages of involvement with child welfare protection services. Two categories of factors: sociodemographic (gender, age, race and socioeconomic status) and racial discrimination (associated with referrals, investigations, and caregivers), were identified as contributing to these disparities. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.