Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Auditorium
The NAACP and Mitchell Hamline School of Law invite attorneys, judicial officers, youth, and families to explore the ways in which we contribute to disproportionality and racial disparities in the Minnesota child protections system, and the impact this has had on the African American community. This event will offer a platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration. Attendees will be provided with an overview of the racial disparities prevalent in the system, followed by firsthand accounts from judges and families involved in court proceedings. Attendees will also hear from legislators working to improve outcomes for African American families through effective policies. We all know that healthy families are vital to the success of our children and ultimately, our state. Everyone has a stake in ensuring Minnesota’s Child Protection System is fair and equitable. Child welfare professionals and families will have the opportunity to engage with each other and begin the conversations that will move us towards systems change!
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality and rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. The NAACP of Minneapolis has become increasingly aware of the disparate way in which our current Child Protection system engages African American families. Racial disparities are found in the entire process, from initial reporting and assessment to discharge from the system.
African American families are over represented in rate of:
Reports to CPS: African American children are over 3 times more likely than their white counterparts to be reported to child protection
Contact with the child protection system – African American children are 4 times more likely to be subjects of child protection assessments and investigations
Out of Home Care: In face of the same allegation; African American and children of 2 or more races are removed from their home at a rate 3.1 and 4.8 times higher than their white counterparts
Permanency determinations: African American and children of 2 or more races are between 3 and 5 times more likely than white children to become a state ward
Contact with law enforcement – African American children are the highest population of children moving from child protection to juvenile detention
Agenda:
4:00-6:15 pm: Program and presentations
6:15-8:00 pm: Plated dinner and guided conversations
Location: Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105. The auditorium is located on the second floor.
Parking: There is limited parking available in the main school lot on Summit and Victoria. Additional parking is available in the lot located on the corner of Grotto and Summit, about two blocks east of the law school, or on the surrounding streets (such as Summit, Ashland, Portland, Victoria). Please make sure to check for permit only parking if you choose to park in a street. There is no cost to park in the lots or on the street. Please click here for a map of campus.
Registration Fee: The cost for professionals seeking CLE credit is $25. There is no cost for community members, students, and families.
Continuing Education Credits: 2.0 elimination of bias CLE credits have been applied for.