IL HR0695

African American children are almost twice as likely as white children to have their well-being investigated by child protective services, and represent 45 percent of the foster care population despite being only 15 percent of all children nationally.

African American children are five times more likely than white children to be in out-of-home care and nearly twice as likely to enter care for "parent reasons," with Minnesota showing African American children are 16.3 times as likely to be placed out of home during child protection assessments.

Encourages state policymakers to increase awareness of disparities in treatment of African American children and families within existing institutions and to enact legislation protecting African American children.

Calls for legislation to allow African American children to remain in safe home environments and to reduce unnecessary government intervention into their homes and family disruptions.

Directs transmission of this resolution to the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and relevant federal and state officials and agencies.