This study examines the processes and influences of Casey Family Programs' Breakthrough Series Collaborative on Disproportionality.
About the Participants
Thirteen public child welfare agencies participated in the Disproportionality BSC with the aim of sharing ideas, raising awareness and developing solutions to the problem of disproportionality and disparities for children and families of color in the child welfare system. Outcomes and Lessons Learned examines the need for and the meaning of the Disproportionality BSC from the perspective of the participants involved.
Results from the Report
The study found that the Disproportionality BSC effectively mobilized child welfare agencies in improvement efforts to reduce the number of children of color in the foster care system. In addition, the BSC helped agencies test and implement strategies to equalize how the system treats these children and their families. Key outcomes reported include:
- Increased community engagement and development of cross-system leadership at the local level
- Increased education and awareness of agency staff and community stakeholders
- High satisfaction with the BSC methodology, resources, and staff.
- Recognition that additional support and resources are needed to sustain the transformative experiences that occurred during the Disproportionality BSC. This observation and others are addressed in the report’s recommendations section.
Read the full report and executive summary or download these publications by following the links in the right column.