Historically, the United States has prioritized its resources for white individuals, leaving Black individuals to struggle fiercely for access to services that were exclusively available to whites. With this context in mind, here are some of the most significant myths or misunderstandings surrounding the Family Regulation System?
- More than 50% of Black children in America will experience a child welfare investigation by the time they turn 18, and Indigenous or Native children face similarly high risks of being investigated and potentially separated from their families. This alarming reality highlights a significant racial disparity within the system, underscoring the deep-rooted inequalities that persist.
- Another misconception is that the system safeguards children, but the reality is that when children are taken from their homes, they often enter a foster care system that is known to inflict various harms on them.
- Children in foster care face significant challenges, including an increased risk of suicide and the likelihood of running away from their placements. These issues can severely impact their education, healthcare, emotional well-being, and mental health. Research has consistently shown that these children are more vulnerable to abuse and even death compared to their peers who are not in foster care.