The paper uses data from the three largest states using Children's Research Center (CRC) actuarial risk assessment systems -- California, Georgia, and Michigan -- and data from a national study of risk assessments where the Michigan system was applied to cases from four geographically dispersed jurisdictions. It includes an in-depth discussion of results, as well as issues regarding risk assessment and the disproportionate representation of African Americans in child welfare. The paper concludes that over representation of African Americans is likely the result, at least in part, of unfettered discretion, not attempts to add structure to decision making. The claim that actuarial risk assessment systems are racially biased is based primarily on a fundamentally flawed review of a national database. Data in this paper demonstrate that proper use of actuarial risk assessment could well reduce over representation of minority families in the child welfare system. The paper further claims that results from States using actuarial risk assessment systems are compelling: these tools can help ensure that child welfare decisions are appropriate, consistent, and equitable for all families entering the child protection system. Notes, tables, figures, bibliography