CREATING CHANGE FOR BLACK YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE

Black children are disproportionately represented in the foster care system yet underrepresented in adoption. Through the EMBRACE Project we aim to explore and address this imbalance and provide Black youth with an equal chance at finding an adoptive family to call their own.

Kidsave has collaborated with Gallup’s Center for Black Voices on a nationwide qualitative and quantitative study to understand Americans’ perceptions of the child welfare system, mentorship, foster care, adoption and Black youth in foster care. The evidence-based data from these studies will help us raise awareness and create real change to support Black families and youth.

Through these findings we aim to improve the outcomes for all kids in foster care, to grow a community of support and create societal change that embraces forever families through mentorship and adoption as a way of growing families and strengthening bonds in our communities.

Phase III concluded November 15, 2023. Phase IV in progress.

Black Americans are twice as likely as other Americans to foster, mentor or adopt if they could volunteer with a child of the same racial or ethnic background (40% vs. 20%).

PHASE I: QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Completed in May 2023, the quantitative study collected over 5,000 survey responses from Americans, including an oversample of 1,400 Black Americans. The quantitative study provides statistically significant data on perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs around foster care and adoption. This data will inform policy and practice changes in government and organizations to help us make progress on solutions to support Black families and youth in achieving positive outcomes.

PHASE I QUANTITATIVE MAJOR FINDINGS

PHASE II: QUALITATIVE STUDY

Building on the quantitative data, Gallup conducted 50 in-depth interviews with Black adults in Los Angeles and Houston on their perspectives around mentorship, foster care, and adoption. Hearing real stories gives richer context to the numbers and statistics. Key insights from these personal experiences will inform how we can better support Black youth and families.

Sadly … I would say I get my information about the foster care system from the local news, when it is a negative news story about either something that happened to a child in the foster care system or a home that was housing some foster children that somehow made the news negatively.”

– Ethan P., age 45, Los Angeles

PHASE II QUALITATIVE MAJOR FINDINGS

PHASE III CONCLUDED NOVEMBER 15, 2023. PHASE IV IN PROGRESS…

Get involved by signing up for our newsletter and staying up to date. Together, we can create change and brighter futures for Black foster youth.