Joyce James

Joyce James, is the executive commissioner of HHSC— a champion of addressing disproportionality in the Texas child welfare system. As a case worker in the late 1980s, she recruited families of color to foster or adopt children whose cultural heritage they shared. Ms. James wanted to find families who could help the children in their care develop a sense of identity strong enough to cope with the racism directed against them by the outside world.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, James’ rise through the ranks at CPS gave her the opportunity to examine data from a larger geographic region. In 2001, James and her partners at universities and community organizations formed a collaborative to break down barriers to services for families in Port Arthur, addressing some of disproportionality’s root causes in Jefferson County.
In 2005, the initiative launched Helping Our People Excel (HOPE). The project provides a place where families have easy access to services that strengthen families and create healthy communities where children can thrive.

Friday, October 14

10:30-Noon
A6 All Things are Not Equal: Disproportionality & Disparity in Texas
Joyce James, Associate Deputy Executive Commissioner, Center for the Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparity, Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Sheila Sturgis Craig, State Disproportionality Manager for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; and Carolyne Rodriguez, Senior Director for Strategic Consulting, Casey Family Programs

In 2010, while African-American children represented 12% of the population of Texas they represented 35.3% of children removed and placed into care. Texas is at the forefront of efforts to transform this disparity and disproportionality among minorities in its foster care system. This workshop will provide an understanding of the Texas model for eliminating disproportionality and disparities through cross systems partnerships and collaboration with CASA and other partners using data-driven strategies, leadership development, anti-racist practices and community engagement. CASA can play a key role in ensuring equity for children and families and better outcomes and permanency for children of color.

Track: V,S,B       Room Name: San Marcos       CEU .15