Board of supervisors plans to take a closer look at diverting
more children to their extended families
San Jose – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday took a closer look at the disproportionate number of African American and Hispanic children entering the foster-care system.
While some studies show there is no difference in the incidence of child abuse or neglect among different ethic groups, studies also suggest a combination of socioeconomic factors and disparate reporting methods by law enforcement agencies increase the likelihood that poor and minority children will enter the foster care system.
Numbers from the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency show 57 percent of new foster children are Hispanic and 10 percent are African American – while these ethnic groups represent 36 and 3 percent of the county’s child population, respectively.
The numbers reflect national patterns.
In 2005, there were about 2,140 children in foster care in the county, with the median length of stay being 10 months.
“We don’t know why there is a disproportionate number,” said Norma Sparks, director of the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services. “We are just trying to learn more about the statistics … and we are going to be looking at more targeted programs for those families.”
Using recommendations from a 2003 San Jose State University study, the Social Services Agency has adopted new policies, including emphasis on placing children with extended family members and early intervention programs.
One of the most effective changes, Sparks said, has been social workers and law enforcement personnel working closer together. In 2003, she said, 70 percent of all children brought into the Children’s Shelter of San Jose – which takes kids from all over the county – were brought by police officers alone. Starting in 2004, when social workers began responding to more police calls, more than half of the children in homes visited were diverted from the foster care system.
While some progress has been tracked, including a slight dip in the number of minority children entering the system, the county’s Social Services Advisory Commission wants supervisors to address the issue “comprehensively” and “with due diligence.” It issued a “statement of concern” that the board accepted, referring the matter to the Children, Seniors and Families Committee for more discussion.
“This is a real problem,” said Ed Silverman, a member of commission. “I think the social services agency is working well (to solve it), but there should be more emphasis for the county board of supervisors to get involved.”
You can reach Tony Burchyns at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or [email protected].
