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Assessing Racial and Class Bias in Child Welfare: Development and Piloting of the Race and Class Bias in Child Welfare Scale

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  • Monica Faulkner

    (Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Catherine A. LaBrenz

    (School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

  • Anna Wasim

    (Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Laura Marra

    (Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

Abstract

Research has highlighted racial and socioeconomic disparities for families in child welfare, with calls to address inequities through trainings and structural change. However, few measures have been developed to assess the recognition of racial and class biases among child welfare practitioners, one key step in addressing implicit biases and reducing racial disparities. While the Families First Prevention Services Act has prioritized evidence-based practices, it is crucial to ensure that practitioners are culturally responsive. This study developed and piloted the Race and Class Bias in Child Welfare Scale to measure the awareness of implicit and structural biases among child welfare practitioners. The development and validation of the Race and Class Bias in Child Welfare Scale included three parts: (1) scale development; (2) scale piloting using exploratory factor analysis; and (3) scale validation using confirmatory factor analysis. Two main factors were identified that explained 68.05% of the total variance; eight of the nine items loaded onto the two factors. Items on the first factor reflected implicit bias recognition, and items on the second factor reflected structural bias. Preliminary findings suggest that a two-factor scale presents good internal reliability and validity. As the Family First Preservation Services Act continues to prioritize evidence-based practices, it is important to consider the cultural sensitivity and responsiveness of providers administering them.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Faulkner & Catherine A. LaBrenz & Anna Wasim & Laura Marra, 2024. "Assessing Racial and Class Bias in Child Welfare: Development and Piloting of the Race and Class Bias in Child Welfare Scale," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:9:p:172-:d:1471676
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wells, Susan J. & Merritt, Lani M. & Briggs, Harold E., 2009. "Bias, racism and evidence-based practice: The case for more focused development of the child welfare evidence base," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(11), pages 1160-1171, November.
    2. Harris, Marian S. & Hackett, Wanda, 2008. "Decision points in child welfare: An action research model to address disproportionality," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 199-215, February.
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