Structured checklists reduce judicial bias in foster-care decisions for minority youth.

Evidence

Researchers are finding that “well-intentioned actors can overcome implicit bias when they are made aware of stereotypes and biases they hold, have the cognitive capacity to self-correct, and are motivated to do so” (Henning, 2012, p. 117). According to the NCSC, this process should be routine, systematized, and intentional (Casey et al., 2012). An effective checklist, like the judicial bench cards used in jurisdictions such as Los Angeles County; Omaha, Nebraska; Portland, Oregon; and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, have empirically shown to curb biases in judges when considering the appropriateness of foster care for youth of color (Casey et al. 2012). — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 1397

Categorization

• QUESTION: The specific empirical claim that bench cards curb bias in foster-care-for-youth-of-color decisions invites digging into the Casey study design and effect size.
• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law: A Definitive Look at…, 1397