State officials are launching a campaign designed to reduce the disproportionate number of minority children in Iowa’s foster care system.
Iowa Department of Human Services Director Gene Gessow announced the campaign Thursday.
He says minority children, especially blacks, are too often placed outside their home. Officials should instead work with families to make changes to keep children safe in their homes.
Gessow says the campaign should help the agency work harder on placement, and raise awareness among people who report child abuse, such as teachers and health care workers.
The campaign is centered in Polk County, where blacks make up about 7 percent of children but account for 24 percent of those in out-of-home foster care.
AP
