The facts are undeniable.
Black children as % of the U.S. population
Black children as % of Foster Care
White children as % of the U.S. population
White children as % of Foster Care
Despite making up only 14% of the U.S. child population, Black children make up 22% of all kids in foster care. (AFCARS, 2021)
Black youth are disproportionately over-represented in foster care and, sadly, underrepresented in rates of adoption.
In addition, compared to other kids in care, Black children are more likely to experience multiple placements, and less likely to be reunited with their birth families.
Through the EMBRACE Project, Kidsave with underwriter support provided by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, is looking to reduce the gap between the number of older Black youth in foster care and the number of Black families mentoring, fostering, and adopting, these children.
Did You Know?
There are
86,645
Black children in foster care.
Source: Statista
In addition to being over-represented, on average, Black children spend longer in foster care than white children. Black youth are also 5x more likely to age out of the foster care system than non-Black children.
For a Black child in foster care where reunification is no longer possible, it is undoubtedly better for them to be adopted into a loving, supportive family than to remain in foster care. Research suggests that —whenever possible— placing a Black child within a family of the same race or culture can have a more positive impact on their sense of identity and well-being.
That's why we're doing the work that needs to be done to improve outcomes for Black youth and families who interact with the child welfare system and help more Black youth in foster care find adoptive families and lifelong support systems through the EMBRACE Project.
ABOUT THE EMBRACE PROJECT
EMBRACE stands for Expanding Meaningful Black Relationships And Creating Equity.
In partnership with the Gallup Center on Black Voices, we have launched a national in-depth study, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, to uncover the perceptions of the foster care system and adoption within the Black community, identify existing barriers to adoption, and establish clear steps that can be implemented to increase the number of Black families to mentor, foster, and adopt Black youth in foster care.
Phase I concluded May 1, 2023. Phase II is currently underway.
How to get involved
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Latest news and progress for the EMBRACE Project.
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Contact
Use the contact information or fill out an inquiry form.
Shantay Armstrong
Strategic Communications Manager
DEI / EMBRACE Project
Direct: 213-315-1657
Main Office: 310-642-7283
shantay@kidsave.org
THE EMBRACE PROJECT TASK FORCE
We are proud to have individuals with lived experience, policy professionals, child welfare advocates, and more, as part of the EMBRACE Project task force. Our task force provides direction for implementing policies, programs, and activities related to the EMBRACE Project.
Sunshine Best
Tulane University
Darrell Booker
Microsoft Philanthropies
Deborah Bryant
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Charity Chandler-Cole
CASA Los Angeles
Alain Datcher
Deloitte Government & Public Services
Lauren Davis
American Cancer Society,
Co-Chair of Task Force
Dr. Tamara Hunter
Commission for Children and Families
DeJuana Jernigan
Arms Wide
Keri Hope Richmond
American Academy of Pediatrics
Hon. Erica Thomas
Former Georgia Representative,
Co-Chair of Task Force
HONORARY TASK FORCE
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove
CA 37th Congressional District
Holly J. Mitchel
Los Angeles County Supervisor, 2nd District
The EMBRACE Project would not be possible without
funding and support from our mission-aligned partners.
