Publication

Income, ethnicity, and equality: Assessing racial disparities in foster care using a self-sufficiency range.

Publication Year: 2023

Authors: Hanson, Koren., Caouette, Justin, Haggerty, Kevin., Skinner, Martie., Barkan, Susan., Davis, Adam, Sparkle, Bethany, & Packard, William Benjamin

Publication Title: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Advisor

Volume: 35

Issue Number: 3

Page(s): 32-49

Link to Publication: View publication

Abstract: This study employs a Self-Sufficiency Range (SSR) to examine racial disparities in income for foster care youth. Data were collected from 198 foster families across Washington State. Forty-seven percent of families fell below the minimum SSR for their region. Black and Hispanic caregivers, the majority being kin, were more likely to be unlicensed, and 67% of unlicensed kinship-care families fell below the minimum SSR. Furthermore, 81% of Black caregivers reported income below the SSR compared to 43% of White caregivers, and Black foster youth were more likely to be living with families below the self-sufficiency range. Policymakers need to address the disproportionate burden on unlicensed and Black foster caregivers and adjust the child welfare system to reduce any systematic inequities.