Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – October 23, 2023
Here are some news items from last week related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught our eye:
Lawyers representing foster children in Texas have asked a federal court to recommend the federal government take control of certain aspects of the state’s foster care system due to ongoing neglect. The request followed an amended motion to impose contempt fines against the state for violations of court orders related to caseloads, investigations into special needs facilities, and handling abuse and neglect cases. The state has been under federal court monitoring for four years, with reports of dangerous situations and youth placed in poorly supervised facilities. The possibility of federal receivership is under consideration.
The Gallup article explores the perspectives of Black adults in the United States regarding foster care. It reveals that while Black adults exhibit a strong interest in foster care, their level of distrust in the system is higher than that of their White counterparts. The article discusses various factors contributing to this distrust, including historical disparities in child welfare services and concerns about systemic bias. It highlights the importance of addressing these issues to improve foster care outcomes for Black children and families. The data underscores the need for greater equity and trust-building measures within the foster care system to ensure that it serves all communities effectively.
The article, authored by Deanna Belknap, an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Tarrant County, Texas, offers insights into the role of Child Protection Prosecutors (CPPs) in the legal system. It highlights the challenges and unique aspects of handling cases involving child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. CPPs must navigate family law and civil procedures, manage multiple parties, and ensure children’s safety while working to reunify families when possible. The article outlines the timeline of a typical child protection case, from removal to final trial, emphasizing the importance of case management and legal accountability. It concludes by recognizing the significant impact CPPs have on children’s lives.
In this article, former child welfare investigator turned professor, Alan Dettlaff, advocates for the abolition of family policing. He argues that the current system, designed to protect children, often results in harm, especially to Black and Indigenous families. Professor Dettlaff contends that this system disproportionately targets marginalized communities, separating families without addressing the root causes of neglect or abuse. Instead, he proposes a community-based approach that focuses on providing support, resources, and guidance to families in need, aiming to prevent crises rather than respond punitively. The article calls for a reimagining of child welfare to prioritize family well-being and equity.
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