UNDERSTANDING AND REDUCING IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT BIAS

Bias and prejudice have existed since ancient times. Most of the documented occurrences of bias describe overt or conscious bias. It is only fairly recently that the concept of implicit bias has been described. In 1995, psychologists Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald used the term implicit bias to describe “social behavior [that] often operates in an implicit or unconscious fashion. The identifying feature of implicit cognition is that past experiences influence judgment in a fashion not introspectively known by the actor” (UCC, 2022).

What Is Bias?

Biases are attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are prejudiced in favor of or against a person or group. Implicit bias, also known as unconscious bias, is a form of bias that is both automatic and unintentional. It may include stereotypes, judgments, and assumptions that someone unknowingly believes are true and that may be based on factors such as age, race, weight, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, or more.

Although people with implicit biases are unaware of their prejudices, these biases may still affect their behaviors and decisions. Another important facet of implicit bias is that it is not only outside of the person’s awareness, but it may directly contradict what they verbalize as their beliefs and values (NIH, 2022; Maryville University, n.d.).

Becoming aware of one’s biases and their potential impacts allows a person to take a proactive role in reducing how biases may impact their decision-making.

Impact of Implicit Bias in Child Welfare

Disparities exist throughout the child welfare system presently and historically. In New York State, OCFS Disproportionate Minority Representation (DMR) data shows that children and families of color are overrepresented in the child welfare system. Families of color have been more likely to have been involved in a report to the SCR. Children of color have been more likely to have been placed in foster care.

The income status of families is also a significant predictor of involvement with the child welfare system. While poverty does not equate to child abuse or maltreatment, families investigated by CPS have several poverty-related risk factors such as unemployment, single parenthood, food insecurity, housing stability, or lack of access to childcare. Families living below the poverty line are three times more likely to be substantiated for child maltreatment (NYS OCFS, 2022).

Strategies to Reduce Implicit Bias

A mandated reporter’s decision to call the SCR can change the course of the life of a child and family members and have long-lasting and devastating impacts on both families and communities. Therefore, it is important for professionals to be aware of the potential for implicit biases and to ensure that such biases do not impact their decision-making. Instead, decisions must be made based on the objective facts of a situation.

A proven strategy to reduce bias and increase awareness regarding one’s own beliefs is to ask oneself the question, would I make a different decision to call the SCR if the child or family in a situation of suspected of child maltreatment or abuse were of a different:

• Race?
• Ethnicity?
• Gender?
• Gender identity?
• Sexual orientation or expression?
• Religion?
• Immigration status?
• Primary spoken language?
• Culture?
• Age?
• Neighborhood where they reside?
• Presence of a disability?
• Occupation?
• Socio-economic status of the family?

If the answer is yes, bias may be impacting the decision to call the SCR.

Another strategy when assessing information received about a child and their family is to ask analytical and evaluative questions and use critical thinking. This includes:

• Identifying the specific concerns about the current situation
• Gathering adequate information about the current situation
• Analyzing that information to separate facts from assumptions
• Recognizing the possibility of bias in one’s personal opinions
• Developing multiple hypotheses that could explain the situation
• Determining whether calling the SCR is legally required
• If not, determining whether an alternative option is better, such as connecting the individual or family to appropriate services in their community

Often, it is possible to support a family without reporting a family to the CPS system. Mandated reporters must approach this responsibility with empathy, compassion, care, and curiosity (NYS OCFS, 2022).