Race May Play Part in Life After Foster Care

Experts discussed the education and income gaps between people of color and whites exiting the foster care system at the University of Pittsburgh today. Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Washington Marian Harris says a higher percentage of minorities live below the poverty line and fewer own their own homes. Harris says these income and housing differences are caused by an educational gap while the youths are still in foster care. Harris says almost ten percent fewer blacks get their diploma rather than a GED after completing high school, and this needs to be fixed. “What we need to do to address the problem is to start working with youth who are in the foster care system prior to them reaching the age of eighteen, in order to help them to overcome what educational skills gaps they have,” says Harris.

She says other states have taken steps to balance the scales in foster care. “The legislature mandated that the state of Washington put in place a racial disproportionality advisory committee. I co-chair this committee. Basically what our charge is as a committee is to come up with a remediation plan,” says Harris. She urges more mental health and educational services for foster kids. Harris says she has seen change in Washington already, but trends won’t change overnight.