NCCPR in The Imprint: No, “Neglect” Is Not a Gateway Allegation
In 2016, we first pointed out the dangers of applying “predictive analytics” algorithms to family policing (a more accurate term than “child welfare). Now, the Associated Press reports, the Justice Department is investigating the most famous such algorithm of them all. See the story below:
ASSOCIATED PRESS, JAN. 31, 2023
Child welfare algorithm faces Justice Department scrutiny
By SALLY HO and GARANCE BURKE
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Justice Department has been scrutinizing a controversial artificial intelligence tool used by a Pittsburgh-area child protective services agency following concerns that the tool could lead to discrimination against families with disabilities, The Associated Press has learned.
The interest from federal civil rights attorneys comes after an AP investigation revealed potential bias and transparency issues surrounding the increasing use of algorithms within the troubled child welfare system in the U.S. While some see such opaque tools as a promising way to help overwhelmed social workers predict which children may face harm, others say their reliance on historical data risks automating past inequalities.
Several civil rights complaints were filed in the fall about the Allegheny Family Screening Tool, which is used to help social workers decide which families to investigate, AP has learned. …
Read the full story here: https://apnews.com/article/justice-scrutinizes-pittsburgh-child-welfare-ai-tool-4f61f45bfc3245fd2556e886c2da988b?utm_campaign=position_05&utm_medium=TopNews&utm_source=homepage
For additional information on NCCP reach out at:
National Coalition for Child Protection Reform
53 Skyhill Road (Suite 202)
Alexandria VA 22314
(703) 380-4252