Disproportionality is the overrepresentation of a particular race or cultural group in a program or system compared to their representation in the general population. Disproportionality affects all systems such as the educational, mental health and judicial systems creating additional costs within these areas. Anytime you have an overrepresentation of people that is adversely affected by other issues then you also have an issue that affects the community.

Even when factors of poverty, single-parent households, and risk level are taken into consideration, the rate of removal for African American children remains higher, keeping them disproportionate in the system.