Racial Equity Hub for Child Welfare Reform

At every stage of involvement in the child welfare system, Black children and families are overrepresented. Despite ongoing efforts to address these inequities, the child welfare system continues to produce disparate outcomes for Black children, youth and families. An urgent need remains for radical transformation of child welfare practices and policies across the United States. In response to these challenges and with a range of philanthropic support, the UCLA Pritzker Center is establishing the Racial Equity Hub for Child Welfare Reform.

Portrait Of Smiling Father And Daughter Outdoors In Autumn Countryside Against Flaring Sun

Issues concerning racial equity have been addressed across a number of UCLA Pritzker Center research efforts, including Courageous Converations, Beyond Blind Removal: Color Consciousness and Anti-Racism in Los Angeles County Child Welfare, and Barriers to Reducing Racial Disproportionality of Black Children in Los Angeles County Child Welfare. Additionally, UCLA Pritzker Center faculty, researchers, and students bring significant expertise and experience to this work.

Together, these projects and the expertise of UCLA Pritzker Center faculty, researchers, and students form the foundation of the UCLA Pritzker Center’s Racial Equity Hub for Child Welfare Reform. Scroll to read the research reports below. 

Racial Equity Research Projects

Barriers to Reducing Racial Disproportionality of Black Children in Los Angeles County Child Welfare

This project explores the barriers to reducing disproportionality in Los Angeles County's child welfare system by analyzing data collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis.

Beyond Blind Removal: Color Consciousness and Anti-Racism in Los Angeles County Child Welfare

Blind removal aims to reduce racial disproportionality by removing racial demographics from the removal decision-making process after an investigation of alleged child abuse or neglect.

Courageous Conversations

Racial equity and disproportionality are prominent features of reimagining the child welfare system. Our research poses ideas for reform.