Racial diversity and inclusive representation in urban public child welfare

ABSTRACT

This study explores racial diversity and inclusive representation in child welfare organizations, including demographic differences between White workers (WW) and workers of Color (WOC), representation of WOC across all levels of the agency, and influence of racial identity on intentions to remain employed. WW and WOC have many demographic and perceptual similarities regarding their work, yet WOC were significantly more likely to be in caseworker positions, and WW were more likely to be supervisors and managers (p = .015). At the same time, WOC significantly lower burnout scores suggest they are more resilient, although less likely to intend to stay.

KEYWORDS:

• Racial diversity and inclusion
• recruitment retention and promotion
• workforce development

Additional information

Funding

This study was made possible through a cooperative agreement between the University at Albany and the U.S. DHHS/ACF Children’s Bureau (www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/) Grant Number 90CT0149. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children’s Bureau.

Notes on contributors

Catherine K. Lawrence

Catherine K. Lawrence is an Associate Professor at the University of Albany School of Social Welfare. Her scholarship focuses on research that informs and promotes effective human services, particularly in the areas of child welfare and income support.

Wendy Zeitlin

Wendy Zeitlin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University. Her work examines workforce issues in child welfare with the aim of contributing to the building of stable and effective child welfare systems.

Sreyashi Chakravarty

Sreyashi Chakravarty is a PhD candidate at the University of Albany School of Social Welfare.  Her scholarship explores diversity, equity and inclusion, with a focus on the role of supervisors in child welfare settings.

Angela DeCristofano

Angela DeCristofano is a graduate student in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University.

Salvador Armendariz

Salvador Armendariz is a Research Associate at the Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver.