The Institutional Analysis: A Qualitative Methodology for Examining Racial Disproportionality and Disparity The Institutional Analysis: A Qualitative Methodology for Examining Racial Disproportionality and Disparity Kristen Weber 1

Foundations of the Institutional Analysis System vs. workers Institutions rarely neutral Population specific studies “One size does not fit all” Institutional changes can improve outcomes 2

3 Institutional Analysis Framework as Applied to Racial Disparities Child and Family OUTCOMES:  Safety  Reunification/Alternative Permanency  Nurturance  Time in Care  Strengths/Resources  Challenges  Child Maltreatment COMMUNITY:  Formal and Informal Supports/Resources  Constraints  Strengths/Resources  Challenges  Child Maltreatment COMMUNITY:  Formal and Informal Supports/Resources  Constraints AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY: Other Mission, Purpose, Function Concepts and Theories Education and Training Resources Linkages Rules and Regulations Administrative Practices Accountability

4 Standard Case Processing Structures CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM Other Mission, Purpose, Function Concepts and Theories Education and Training Resources Linkages Rules and Regulations Administrative Practices Accountability  Knowledge of Client(s)  Effective Intervention  Capacity to Intervene/Act

5 Type of Interview County ACounty B Case-based Reviews1216 Individual Interviews50106 Group Interviews Birth parents, youth, and foster parents Birth parents, youth, foster parents, AAGs, protective services specialists, protective services supervisors, and TDM meeting facilitators Observations Hotline, investigations TDM meetings, family court Hotline, investigations, TDM meetings, family court, juvenile detention Case File Reviews 4020