Blog Post #10, Option #2

I found Dorothy Robert’s perspective to be extremely interesting. I decided to focus on the question “What factors might contribute to the racial disparities Roberts draws our attention to, according to Roberts? According to you?”

 At the very beginning of her book she discusses the “visibility hypothesis.” This hypothesis states “there is a higher probability for minority children to be placed in foster care when living in a geographic area where they are relatively less represented” (Roberts, pg. 9). Roberts states this to be because agencies are more likely to investigate underrepresented groups and these groups also lack support that could potentially ward off investigations. This leads to more investigations of Black families and more Black children being put into the foster care system. Another reason that Robert’s says black children are removed from their home is due to inadequate housing. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that Black children in the foster care system are more likely to come from families with housing difficulties than white children.

After reading Robert’s I believe there are many racial disparities in the U.S. that lead to an increased amount of Black children in foster care. Based on the white privilege speaker that came to CSB, white families have been given a head start. Blacks have had to play catch up in the U.S. and this can lead to many financial problems. These financial issues can lead to the housing problems that lead to an increased amount of Black children in foster care. This delayed start can also lead to the social disparities that exist when discussing the “visibility hypothesis.” I agree strongly with what the speaker discussed about racism in the U.S. and how it affects many facets of the black family’s life, including foster care, and how we need to be more aware of the silent racism that exists.

Racism still exists in the U.S. and this racism can lead to many difficulties within the foster care system which I believe both Roberts and I agreed on.

 

Julie Thurmes