Measuring change in disproportionality and disparities: three diagnostic tools

At present there are few examples of sustained reductions in disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. This article describes the use of three instruments that have been used to measure levels of racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities: The Disproportionality Diagnostic Tool, Ecomap and Racial Equity Scorecard. Using a combination of community and public agency data, these tools measure and track change over time on racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities. Study results indicated a reduction in racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities and demonstrated the utility of all three instruments for targeting efforts and assessing improvements in child welfare over time.