Discussions about the child welfare system are plagued by two false narratives. The first is that cases where children are neglected are simply instances of poverty and can be solved just by providing more material resources to the family. The second is that racial disparities in the system mean that it is plagued by systemic bias and that authorities should stop intervening so frequently in the lives of black families.

This episode features a conversation between Naomi and Ian that took place at FREE Forum Denver this past November, a conference hosted by Ian as part of the FREE (family, religion, education, entrepreneurship) Initiative. In the episode, Naomi shares an overview of the child welfare system, including misconceptions about child maltreatment, and analyzes different policy approaches. She and Ian then discuss the societal trends contributing to the problems, and what steps can be taken toward reform.

Resources

• The Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Poverty | Naomi Schaefer Riley
• The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Child Welfare | Naomi Schaefer Riley
• Fixing Our Child Welfare System to Help America’s Most Vulnerable Kids | Naomi Schaefer Riley

Show Notes

• 0:01:50 | Naomi’s remarks begin
• 0:02:58 | Misconceptions around neglect
• 0:07:22 | Misconceptions around racial disparities
• 0:13:55 | Conversation with Ian begins
• 0:14:13 | What were the roles of faith-based organizations before a public child welfare system was created?
• 0:17:48 | What prevents people from acknowledging that substance abuse plays a major role in child maltreatment?
• 0:19:12 | How does the fear of stigmatizing perversely create worse outcomes for children in unsafe situations?
• 0:21:29 | What is the role of adoption in these situations?
• 0:24:35 | What is the ideology behind those who oppose interracial adoption?
• 0:28:25 | What are some examples of policies or strategies that are working successfully?