Bureaucratic Neglect and Oppression in Child Welfare: Historical Precedent and Implications for Current Practice Jessica L. Yang 1 • Debora Ortega 1 Ó Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016 Abstract Historically, child maltreatment has been seen as an issue warranting the involvement of the American government. However, over time, the definition of child maltreatment has changed; typically, maltreatment is often understood as a violation of the parental right to care for and protect a child. Consequently, the government, through systems such as child protective services is expected to be the acceptable parental alternative. As illustrated by the numerous negative outcomes experienced, it is clear that the system is not meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. This bureaucratic neglect is allowed to occur because of population primarily served by the child welfare system, the poor and families of color. In this way, dynamics of power and privilege manifest in the differing expectations of appropriate care between biological parents and the foster care system. Keywords Child welfare Á System Á Bureaucratic neglect Introduction The American child welfare system was created to protect children from abuse and neglect at the hands of their bio- logical parents or guardians. In some instances, it is deemed necessary to remove children from the care of their biological parents in order to protect them. In America, the foster care system serves nearly 400,000 children per year, with over 50% either returning home to live with their biological parents (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). However, for many of the children that do enter foster care, the experience will be less than positive both while in care, and after. The literature is quite clear that they are substantially more likely to experience abuse and neglect while in care. Additionally, they are likely to experience negative outcomes related to overall function- ing including, education, health (mental and physical), and wellbeing (Barber & Delfabbro, 2003; Courtney et al., 2007; Herrenkohl, Herrenkohl, & Egolf, 2003; Jonson-Reid & Barth, 2000; Kools, 1997; Perry, 2006; Stott, 2012; Vacca, 2008). There is an apparent disconnect in these findings, why is it that in a system designed to protect children from harm, youth are continuing to experience maltreatment and negative outcomes? This paper explores the bureaucratic policies and behaviors that perpetuate neglect and abuse in the lives of children for who the system is the legal guardian, as well differential expectations about appropriate parenting behavior between biological parents and the foster care system (as the legally designated parent). Additionally, this paper will explore issues related to the oppression of bio- logical families and children by the foster care system based on their status of class and race. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of strategies to ameliorate bureaucratic neglect and oppression for these children and their families. Parenthood and Discipline: Rights and Responsibilities of Biological Parents Parental Rights and Parenthood Throughout history, parents have had the freedom to raise their child in any manner they choose, so long as it does not & Jessica L. Yang Jessica.ramey.lo@gmail.com 1 Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S. High Street, Denver, CO 80208, USA 123 Child Adolesc Soc Work J DOI 10.1007/s10560-016-0446-4