Racial disparities in child welfare: A propensity score matched analysis of Black and White children in Canada

Abstract

Background

Research has revealed significant disparities in child welfare (CW) involvement for Black children in Canada. However, the underlying factors contributing to these differences remain poorly understood.

Objective

This study aims to identify the factors influencing racial disparities in CW investigations and out-of-home placements, with a focus on understanding the broader structural and institutional drivers shaping CW outcomes for Black children in Canada.

Participants and setting

Data were drawn from the 2019 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2019). The fully weighted sample included an estimated 134,925 investigations involving White families and 28,415 investigations involving Black families.

Methods

A two-stage analytical approach was employed using the weighted and unweighted sample. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used on the unweighted sample to examine racial disparities in out-of-home placement while controlling for case differences.

Results

Findings indicate that Black children were investigated for maltreatment at 2.27 times the rate of White children. Out-of-home placement rates were also higher (3.4 vs. 1.9 per 1000; 1.79 times per capita). After matching, Black children remained more likely to be placed in out-of home care, with a rate more than double that of their white counterparts (3.1 % vs. 1.5 %; LR = 0.004, p = 0.004)

Conclusion

These findings highlight a compounded effect of bias across Black children's CW trajectories, suggesting a need to address both structural and institutional factors that contribute to disparities in CW investigations and out-of-home placement decisions.