National studies identify a disproportionate representation of children of color in the child welfare system, compared to their percentage in the general population. Once in the system, children and families of color often face unequal opportunities and access to needed services, and are more at risk for poor short- and long-term outcomes than their white counterparts.
In response, the American Humane Association, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, launched the Colorado Disparities Resource Center in May 2009 to examine racial and ethnic disparities in Colorado’s child welfare system. The center’s goal is to ensure equity for all of Colorado’s children and families.
On Feb. 9, 2010, the center presented a forum on Understanding Disproportionality and Disparities in Colorado’s Child Welfare System, in Englewood, Colo., with more than 100 participants in attendance. The forum hosted national and local experts and provided information and strategies from various states and counties on addressing the issue. The forum also included a status report of Colorado’s current child welfare data related to racial disparities.
The center will hold upcoming events across the state of Colorado in order to increase community involvement in helping develop solutions to address this important issue. Please visit www.colodrc.org for more information.
About American Humane Association
Since 1877, the historic American Humane Association has been at the forefront of every major advancement in protecting children, pets and farm animals from cruelty and abuse and neglect. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation’s voice for the protection of children and animals, American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.