Language In Florida Law Related To Black Children Is ‘Proof That Racism Is Still Very Much Alive'

Florida Phoenix

February 28, 2022

State lawmakers, both GOP and Democrats, last week approved a change in legislation to define Black kids in the welfare system, a move that would appease lawmakers and others who felt that the language in the law was inappropriate and disrespectful.

The current state law that defines a “special needs child” as a child of “Black or racially mixed parentage” is proof of racism, according to state Rep. Patricia Williams, who represents part of Broward County.

The language was changed by lawmakers through a bill related to children in the welfare system after an uproar from several Black lawmakers.

“This is proof that racism is still very much alive and we still have work to be done,” Williams said Monday in a phone conversation with the Florida Phoenix. “After I spoke about the Florida Statute on the floor (Feb. 16), it was hurtful and I couldn’t believe I was the only person aware of this egregious statement.” She referenced the term “special needs child.”

Williams had pushed an amendment to change language in statute that would take away the term “special needs child” and replace it with a “difficult to place” child, but it failed on the House floor at that time. Several members of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus also voiced their frustration about inappropriate language related to adoptive children and others in the child welfare system.

However, the issue was addressed later by GOP lawmakers last week who were able to push Williams’ amendment through legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lauren Melo, a Republican representing Hendry and part of Collier counties.

Her bill, entitled “an act relating to child welfare placements,” was approved by members of the House’s Health and Human Services Committee last week, which would replace the term “special needs child” with a “difficult to place” child in state law.

“I didn’t serve on the HHS committee, but I understand that the change was made,” Williams told the Phoenix. “I don’t care who gets the credit as long as we get it done and changed.”

The change would still have to be approved by the Senate. There is a bill scheduled in the Senate on Tuesday that is similar to the House legislation related to changing language about a Black “special needs child.”

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