Dozens of organizations have united to spread awareness about Wisconsin's foster care system.

They say black children and their families fare the worst in Milwaukee.

Fresh Start Family Service says these cases are critical. Organizers hope the event will encourage honest conversation on the culture of child welfare locally and nationally.

"We are in the state of condition in this city that 60% of our children are in some type of foster system, that should be unacceptable to all of us. We all know that, from time to time, we're going to have people who beat the odds. Our challenge is actually to change odds so that young children of color will have a better chance," said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Today's conference was hosted by Fresh Start Family Services.