According to Kids Count Data Center, the latest statistics state that in Pennsylvania in 2019, there were 15,526 children in foster care. In that same year there were 426,749 children in foster care in the United States. For a state by state count, go to datacenter.kidscount.org. 

 

2018 Data 

Percentage/Data 

Reports of Child Abuse or neglect 

44,063 

Reports of child abuse and/or neglect that were indicated 

11.6% 

Repeated indicated child abuse or neglect incidents 

5.2% (One out of 19) 

Reunification with birth parents or relatives within 12 months of being removed.  

38.7% 

Child removed a second time from birth parents within 12 months of being reunified with them. 

22.3% 

 

2019 Children Served By Age

Percentage/Data 

0-2

20.2%

3-5

17.8%

6-8

13.8%

9-11

11.7%

12-14

12.3% 

15-17

18.5%

18-20

5.6%

 

2019 Children Served By Race & Ethnicity

Percentage/Data 

White/Non-Hispanic

43.7%

African American/Non-Hispanic

33.0%

Other Race/Non-Hispanic

2.6%

Two or more races/Non-Hispanic

7.7%

Hispanic or latino

12.9%

 

Concerning the Child Welfare System in 2020 and the disparity between races it was stated that:

  • Black Children are 4 1/2 times more likely to be placed in foster care than white children.
  • Black children are more than 5 times more likely to re-enter foster care than white children.
  • Children of two or more races are 4 ½ times more likely to re-enter the foster care system than white children. 
  • Children who are black, Hispanic or multiple races have a higher rate of Child Protective Services referrals that include substantiated allegations. 

 

Additional Foster Care Information:

  • Foster Care is meant to be a temporary intervention to ensure the safety of the child.
  • A child who has experienced neglect and abuse is more likely to have social, emotional and physical health issues.
  • Separation from parents is traumatic for everyone. Minimizing the time in foster care without compromising safety is the key. 
  • A child who faces multiple placements while in foster care may struggle to build and maintain healthy relationships and confront academic challenges due to school changes.
  • A child who spends long periods of time in foster care are more likely to drop out of school, have mental health issues and experience unemployment and homelessesness as an adult.

The statistics and data above was found within the Pennsylvania STATE of CHILD WELFARE 2020 document which can be found at papartnerships.org.