STRATEGY BRIEF - What are jurisdictions learning and doing as they address racial

This brief provides a snapshot of perspectives and lessons learned from a group of jurisdictions working to address racial disparities.2 It offers a window into what jurisdictions participating in the REIC are exploring and navigating, and may offer ideas and insights to inform and inspire the efforts of others. [...] Lived experts who participate in the REIC5 underscored the importance of early, meaningful, and ongoing involvement, as opposed to Isolated advisory opportunities that unlikely to have long-term impact and have the potential to tokenize and re-traumatize. [...] Parents have been involved in planning and training efforts to date, and a goal is to hire parents to work as ICWA family preservationists, staff who address barriers related to family preservation and help both families and child welfare teams understand the letter and spirit of ICWA law. [...] The Utah Division of Child and Family Services is working with the University of Utah to conduct focus groups with community members and review its administrative data to identify key gaps and opportunities to advance equitable practices and outcomes. [...] While the large equity-focused team at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was eliminated in 2017, the department managed to successfully rebuild the unit in 2021, expanding from a single position dedicated to disproportionality to a team of four that leads a range of initiatives including professional learning for staff, and data-driven review of practices, policies, and proced.