The child welfare system is intended to be one of tthe final social safety nets to support children and families in crisis—a last resort after other supports and services have failed to prevent maltreatment. However, despite the best efforts of reformers and practitioners, the racism and bias embedded in the system from its founding have led to rigid policies that are often more focused on compliance and surveillance than healing and support. Eliminating the racial disproportionality and disparities in child welfare requires an examination of how Black, Native American, and Latino families in California come to the attention of the system; the policies and practices that lead to family separation; the treatment of children and families in foster care; and the ways that permanency and reunification are achieved and supported.
