Unit Background
The African-American Child and Family Well-Being Unit was established in 2020 as an intentional strategy to address disparities and disproportionality in the Minnesota Child Welfare System. The unit supports the development and implementation of culturally relevant and affirming strategies to improve policy and practice across the child welfare continuum (safety, placement, and permanency), ensuring prevention and family preservation for African-American and African-heritage children and families.
The unit assists in deconstructing traditional child protection policies and practices that contribute to disproportionality and disparities, and in reimagining and rebuilding an equitable child welfare system designed to meet the unique experiential and cultural needs of focus communities. Lastly, the unit works to promote a sustainable and equitable child welfare practice that supports the elimination of disparities and disproportionality of African-American and African heritage children, youth, and families in the Minnesota child welfare system.
