Promoting Resiliency and Eliminating Disparities-Best Practices when Working with Child Welfare Involved Youth of Color

Abstract

The US child welfare system has a long history of racial disproportionality and subsequent disparities. These disparities have been perpetuated by discriminatory laws and policies in our federal and state governments, coupled with a system of care that is fraught with the risk of biases in child welfare practices and procedures. Child psychiatrists should have a knowledge base of these inequities to help ensure culturally and trauma-informed care for child welfare involved youth and families. As physician leaders with knowledge of child development, child psychiatrists can also help inform inclusive legislation, policies, and programs.

Keywords: Child welfare; Foster care; Inequity; Racial disparities.