DISCRIMINATION IN MULTI-PHASE SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM CHILD PROTECTION
Link to article:
Authors:
Baron, E. Jason , Joseph J. Doyle Jr., Natalia Emanuel, Peter Hull, Joseph P. Ryan
Year:
2023
Reference:
Andre skrifter
NBER Working Paper 31490
Summary
We develop new empirical tools for studying discrimination in multi-phase systems, and apply them to the setting of foster care placement by child protective services. Leveraging the quasirandom assignment of two sets of decision-makers—initial hotline call screeners and subsequent investigators—we study how unwarranted racial disparities arise and propagate through this system. Using a sample of over 200,000 maltreatment allegations, we find that calls involving Black children are 55% more likely to result in foster care placement than calls involving white children with the same potential for future maltreatment in the home. Call screeners account for up to 19% of this unwarranted disparity, with the remainder due to investigators. Unwarranted disparity is concentrated in cases with potential for future maltreatment, adding nuance to longstanding policy discussions about the possible “over-placement” of Black children into foster care.
Project:
Oppdragsgiver: Norges ForskningsrådOppdragsgivers prosjektnr.: 288813
Frisch prosjekt: 4117 - Effects of Child Welfare Services
