C. What You Can Do About Disproportionality

Many Texas judges want to know what they can do to combat disproportionality from the bench.

There are many trainings on equity and implicit bias available, in-person and online, that can educate court staff. Local equity work leaders might be good partners to inform and further efforts to address these issues in child welfare.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) developed the Courts Catalyzing Change Preliminary Protective Hearing Benchcard, a practical and concrete judicial tool for use at the first hearing. This Benchcard reflects best practices for one of the most critical stages in a child abuse and neglect case.[81] Additionally, the Children's Commission has created a benchcard for quick reference included at the back of the Bench Book.