Public Numbers, Private Pain: What Is Hidden Behind the Disproportionate Removal of Black Children and Youth from Families by Ontario Child Welfare?

Abstract

Introduction to the Topic The disproportionality and disparity faced by Black children and youth in the child welfare system are now well-documented and visible in public discourse, along with explanations for these phenomena (Clarke, Children and Youth Services Review, 33, 2, 2011, Journal of Progressive Human Services, 23, 3, 2012; Dunbar & Barth, 2007; Fallon et al., 2015; Gosine & Pon, Journal of Progressive Human Services, 22, 2, 2010; Hill, 2006, 2007; Pon, Gosine, & Phillips, International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 3 & 4, 2011; Roberts, Shattered bonds: The color of child welfare. New York, NY: Civitas Books, 2002; Stahmer et al., 2005; Teklu, Canada’s forgotten children: Written submissions to the committee on the rights of the child on the third and fourth reports of Canada. Toronto, ON: African Canadian Legal Clinic, 2012). This chapter explores the factors that are hidden behind the disproportionate numbers and considers the mental health impact of child removal on Black children, youth, and families in Ontario. It draws on the literature and our professional experiences to explore the impact of removal on Black children, youth, and families in Ontario’s child welfare system.