Embracing AI Upstream in Child Welfare: Learning from Past Mistakes

In our rapidly evolving world, the integration of technology has become an undeniable force driving societal progress. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including child welfare. However, we must heed the lessons of the past and ensure that the implementation of AI in this context avoids the mistakes made with critical access to high-speed internet.

For far too long, the government stood on the sidelines as high-speed internet became a cornerstone of modern life. As this technological marvel swept across the nation, it created a deep digital divide, disproportionately affecting low-income and underserved communities. The consequences were dire, as children and families in these areas suffered from limited access to vital resources, education, and employment opportunities. It was a painful reminder of how delayed government intervention can perpetuate inequalities and hinder progress.

Now, as AI takes center stage in the child welfare arena, we must not repeat the mistakes of the past. While some may be skeptical of the unfettered advancement of AI, it is crucial to recognize its potential as a tool to connect parents to critical resources and information, ultimately preventing child welfare challenges before they escalate.

By using AI upstream in child welfare, we can empower parents and families, providing them with timely support, guidance, and access to services. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, identify trends, and generate insights that human capacity alone cannot achieve. With this knowledge, we can design interventions tailored to individual circumstances, address systemic disparities, and foster a more equitable child welfare system.

However, the responsible integration of AI requires proactive government involvement. We cannot afford to wait until it becomes a crisis or exacerbates existing inequalities. Instead, we should seize the opportunity to shape AI’s role in child welfare, ensuring it aligns with principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

Just as critical access to high-speed internet was a pressing issue, AI holds the potential to be transformative. It is essential that we learn from our past oversights and actively engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and families themselves, to co-create frameworks that govern the ethical and equitable use of AI.

Transparency, accountability, and ongoing evaluation must underpin the deployment of AI in child welfare. We must prioritize privacy protections, address biases and disparities within AI systems, and continuously monitor its impact on families and communities. By doing so, we can build trust and ensure that AI enhances our ability to provide meaningful, family-centered support rather than replacing the essential connections that underpin our profession.

As we navigate the uncharted territory of AI, we must strive for a balanced approach. We should harness the benefits of AI while preserving the personal touch that defines our profession. AI should never replace the importance of genuine relationships, empathy, and understanding between child welfare professionals and the families they serve. Instead, it should augment our capabilities, enabling us to allocate more time and resources to meaningful engagement and individualized support.

Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Let us not allow the potential of AI in child welfare to slip through our fingers due to hesitance or lack of proactive government involvement. By embracing AI with a clear vision, ethical frameworks, and an unwavering commitment to equity, we can shape a future where children and families thrive. It is time to learn from history and ensure that technology works in harmony with our shared humanity.

By Takkeem Morgan

Executive Director/Co-Founder

Mosaic ParentHub