African American disproportionality and disparity in child welfare: Toward a comprehensive conceptual framework

•Critically examines definitions of disproportionality and disparity in child welfare•Analyzes current explanatory factors and conceptual frameworks•Proposes a new conceptual framework for disproportionality and disparity

The disproportional representation and disparity experienced by African American children and families in the child welfare system have received increasing attention over the past three decades. A review of the literature for explanatory factors and conceptual frameworks reveals that, as with the general definitions of disproportionality and disparity, there is a need for increased precision and refinement of the current frameworks used to explain the occurrence of these phenomena in the child welfare system. In order to address these issues, an alternate conceptual framework is proposed, with explanatory factors organized into five major paths: 1) Disproportionate Need; 2) Human Decision-Making; 3) Agency-System Factors; 4) Placement Dynamics; and 5) Policy Impact. This comprehensive framework aims to enhance the theoretical basis relevant to future research, critical thinking, and analyzing responses to the issues of disproportionality and disparity in child welfare.