**GAO-07-816**                      Published: Jul 11, 2007. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

A significantly greater proportion of African American children are in foster care than children of other races and ethnicities, according to HHS and other research. Given this situation, GAO was asked to analyze the (1) major factors influencing the proportion of African American children in foster care, (2) extent that states and localities have implemented promising strategies, and (3) ways in which federal policies may have influenced African American representation in foster care. GAO's methodologies included a nationwide survey; a review of research and federal policies; state site visits; analyses of child welfare data; and interviews with researchers, HHS officials, and other experts.

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## Topics

Worker and Family Assistance

African AmericansChild welfareDisadvantaged personsFamiliesFederal aid to statesFederal fundsFederal legislationstate relationsFoster childrenPolicy evaluationState-administered programsFoster care