Changing Course: Improving Outcomes for African American Males Involved with Child Welfare Systems

As the Obama Administration joins with philanthropic and business leaders to launch a national initiative designed to provide opportunities for boys and young men of color, a new Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) brief begins to examine the disparate experiences of African American males involved with the nation’s child welfare systems.

The brief - Changing Course: Improving Outcomes for African American Males Involved with Child Welfare Systems - is designed to spur dialogue and action by examining what we know and identifying promising policy and practice strategies that can help to improve experiences and outcomes among this highly vulnerable group.

“The child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health systems can, at their best, offer the pivotal opportunities that help young men move along the pathway to education, employment and healthy family relationships,” said Frank Farrow, director of CSSP. “Conversely, if these systems are not effective, they can be way stations on the cradle-to-prison pipeline that blights too many futures.”

With a greater spotlight on the needs of this often misunderstood population, the paper outlines a framework for action – now and in the longer-term. Specifically it includes:

• A summary about what is known about the situation of African American males involved with the child welfare system.
• An outline of a more effective approach for improved outcomes for African American males.
• Specific steps that system leaders, policymakers and funders can take now to make a difference in the outcomes for African America males in state and local child welfare systems.

Published by CSSP as part of the broader work of the Alliance for Racial Equity in Child Welfare, the paper was produced with support from The California Endowment and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

“Ultimately, we want optimal outcomes for African American males who are involved with child welfare and juvenile justice systems in the same way we do for all children. And we are absolutely confident that this is achievable,” said Oronde Miller, senior associate at CSSP. “This paper offers perspective and guidance informed directly by young African American males, as well as some of the professionals who have been most effective in supporting them. We hope this work inspires the urgent course change we envision.”

Read the report: Changing Course: Improving Outcomes for African American Males Involved with Child Welfare Systems by Oronde Miller, Frank Farrow, Judith Meltzer and Susan Notkin.