A call to action: Every family deserves active efforts. Keeping the black family together-active efforts as the standard for all removal and reunification efforts

This research paper explores active efforts as a transformative measure in the child welfare system. It argues how the currently used reasonable effort standard has not served the children or families in its care adequately. When a child comes to the attention of child protective services, measures to maintain family unity could see significant improvements in the child welfare system. Additionally, the current standard has shown to be particularly detrimental to the integrity of Black families and children. Through a critical examination of these failures as well the benefits of using an active efforts approach, this paper advocates for the adoption of this standard as a necessary step in the shift toward fostering stronger, more resilient family structures. The Reasonable Efforts Standard has led to separation of children from their family bonds. This separation has disproportionately affected Black children and families. Family integrity is a Constitutional Right Using active efforts holds a higher standard for social workers to preserve these bonds. Using relative placements whenever possible and safe has significant positive outcomes for children.