DOJ examines Allegheny County child welfare AI screening tool for disability bias
The Justice Department is scrutinizing the Allegheny Family Screening Tool, an AI system used by Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to assess risk for families reported for child welfare concerns. A father with an intellectual disability, represented by attorney Robin Frank, filed a complaint alleging the algorithm discriminates against families with disabilities by using disability-related data points. The county denies awareness of concerns and says the tool helps predict risk, but critics argue it hardens bias. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is investigating.
- Date it happened
- 2022-10-01
- Organisation involved
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services
- Product, system or model
- Allegheny Family Screening Tool
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