WMPC is committed to strengthening our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion capacity, despite new and existing challenges.
The disproportionality and disparity of children and youth of color is a concern in foster care. The US Department of Health and Human Services notes that 50 years of data shows children of color are disproportionately represented and have disparate outcomes throughout the child welfare process, including in investigations, entry into out-of-home care, and time to achieve permanency.
Disproportionality in foster care results from systemic racism, cultural misunderstandings, stereotypes, and biases that influence decisions that impact children and families of color and other marginalized groups.
Dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate disparities in child welfare
In order to determine under- or over-representation of a racial or ethnic group, we use a comparison method called the Relative Rate Index (RRI). The majority group, white children in Kent County, has a proportionality level of 1.0. Any group above this level has an over-representation in foster care.
These charts demonstrate the positive impact of the strategic efforts WMPC has implemented to address racial disproportionality.
Enhancing our DEI capacity improves WMPC’s cultural competency, which is essential for effectively serving a diverse population of children and families in the child welfare system.
WMPC values a culture where every voice is heard and respected, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among our team. We embrace multi-dimensional diversity and empower everyone to perform their best work.
Additionally, we support our network partners in their DEI efforts, collectively driving systemic change.
We have partnered with Social Current, a national DEI consulting firm, to enhance our practices, policies, and systems, ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization and community.
By genuinely engaging, listening, and building meaningful relationships with families from various cultural backgrounds, we can provide personalized and equitable resources and services that meet their needs and support reunification.
Approaching our work with humility, curiosity, and respect for diverse cultures fosters partnerships with families and communities. This collaborative approach helps us better understand and dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate racial and economic disparities in child welfare, creating a more equitable system for all children and families.
Using regular data analysis across multiple partner agencies and over time, WMPC staff are able to see patterns and gaps in the current system that might affect disproportionality and disparate outcomes for children of color. Through analysis, we can make recommendations that inform new policies and develop new programs supporting the unique children and families we serve.
WMPC is the first performance-based foster care service delivery model in Michigan with the goal of improving outcomes for children.