Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Louisiana’s Child Welfare System
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has launched an initiative focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, to promote and sustain equity, achieve diversity, and ensure an inclusive environment for individuals in the agency as well as within the communities served. This initiative is multi-dimensional, requiring a deeper understanding of the shift in perspective needed to bring about change and an integrative approach to decision-making and action.
The presentation will provide information about racism, bias, disproportionality, and disparity in the child welfare system. Participants will learn what DEI is and about strategies that DCFS is implementing to address disparities.
Objectives:
- Define & identify what racism, bias, disproportionality, and disparity look like in the context of the child welfare system;
- Educate on how racism, implicit bias, and stigma can be pervasive and create barriers to how families involved in the child welfare system are served; and
- Learn about strategies that the Department of Children and Family Services is implementing to improve outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Speaker:
- Thailund Porter-Green, Esq., Office of the Assistant Secretary, Division of Child Welfare, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Manager, DCFS
