Because of both social factors like poverty as well as possible bias in how cases are reported, investigated, and judged, families of color are far more likely than their white peers to face an ACS investigation, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which has studied rates of investigation across different demographics through mandatory ACS disclosures that include the races of families facing investigation. Even if a case is ultimately dropped, Black families are more likely to have child welfare services called to investigate them, for example, and calls to ACS contribute to a family’s score.