According to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) website, as of 2023, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and other non-white children face a disproportionate likelihood—over two times higher than their Caucasian counterparts—of being substantiated for maltreatment, removed from their homes, and spending extended periods in care.

These pervasive disparities throughout every stage of the child welfare process, particularly affecting Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American children, highlight systemic inequities that demand critical examination and comprehensive action to address the underlying causes and mitigate these imbalances.

To address and reduce disparities within the DCF organization, community and credentialed providers, and Grass Root organizations, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for Black and Brown children and families who are disproportionately represented in DCF care.