Disproportionate representation (or disproportionality) refers to the current situation in which particular racial and ethnic groups of children are represented in foster care at a higher or lower percentage than their representation in the general population. Disproportionality refers both to the overrepresentation of children of color in foster care and to the disparate outcomes they experience while they are in foster care.
- Research indicates that children of color are not at greater risk for abuse and neglect than Caucasian children and that there are no differences in the incidence of maltreatment. Nonetheless, children of color are disproportionately reported as victims of child abuse and neglect, and these reports are substantiated at disproportionate rates.
- Children of color are likely to stay in foster care for longer periods of time and are less likely to be either returned home or adopted.
- Nationally, African-American children are 4 times as likely and American Indian children about 3.5 times as likely as white children to be in state protective custody.
| Race/Ethnicity | In out-of-home care | In general population |
| Black (non-Hispanic) | 32% | 15% |
| White (non-Hispanic) | 41% | 61% |
| Hispanic | 18% | 17% |
| Am. Indian/Alaska Native (non-Hispanic) | 2% | 1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic) | 1% | 3% |
| Unknown | 2% | N/A |
| 2 or More Races (non-Hispanic) | 3% | 4% |