Measuring change in disproportionality and disparities: three diagnostic tools

Area of Science:

• Child Welfare
• Juvenile Justice
• Racial Equity

Background:

• Limited success in reducing racial and ethnic disproportionality in child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
• Need for effective tools to measure and address systemic disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate three instruments for measuring racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities.
• To assess the impact of these tools on reducing disparities over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Disproportionality Diagnostic Tool, Ecomap, and Racial Equity Scorecard.
• Combined community and public agency data for comprehensive measurement.
• Tracked changes in racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities over time.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a reduction in racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparities.
• Confirmed the utility of all three instruments in targeting interventions.
• Showcased the tools' effectiveness in assessing child welfare improvements.

Conclusions:

• The three instruments are effective in measuring and reducing racial and ethnic disparities in child welfare.
• These tools provide a valuable method for monitoring progress and guiding future efforts in promoting equity.