This panel will examine the resemblance between the mass incarceration system and the child welfare system. Both systems tout a protective function but end up tearing families and communities apart. The panelists will examine the meaning of truly protecting children, questioning not only the similarities between the two systems but the disproportionate number of children of color who are separated from their families, communities and all they are familiar with. For years we have been speaking about “the new Jim Crow”; some are now referring to the foster care system as Jim’s twin sibling, “the new Jane Crow.”

Panelists

• Tasheva Gadson, former foster child

• Gerald Campbell, former foster child, scholar of the Institute for Transformative Mentoring

• Andrea Morrell professor, Guttman College

Moderator

• Shanelle Matthews, activist-in-residence, The New School, former communications director, Black Lives Matter