Child Welfare

Breast milk, best sleep: Nationwide Japanese study finds

A nationwide Japanese study of over 82,000 children found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces the risk of short sleep duration at one year of age. The study also suggests that breast milk's adaptability to infant needs and its melatonin content help regulate healthy sleep rhythms.

Mothers with care proceedings die at 21 times the rate of other mothers

A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.

Cash transfers in the perinatal period and investigations of infant maltreatment

Research finds efforts to end child marriage in Malawi leave out local knowledge, culture

Research in Malawi finds that attempts to combat child marriage often neglect local perspectives and cultural norms, leading to challenges in implementing effective solutions. The study proposes an African feminist lens to address the issue, considering relationality, community, and cultural embeddedness to understand the problem.

Study finds long-term childhood poverty rose sharply after austerity reforms

A new study from the University of Oxford found that long-term childhood poverty increased sharply among children born after 2013 due to austerity reforms. Nearly one in five children born after this period experience poverty for at least half of their childhood, with severe consequences on education, employment, earnings, and health.

World is falling behind on UN’s child mortality Sustainable Development Goal

A new study finds that over a quarter of countries won't reach the UN's 2030 child mortality target on time, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily burdened. The global rate stands at 36.72 deaths per 1,000 live births, projected to meet the target until 2035.

Global gun violence research requires a multidisciplinary approach

Gun violence researchers face challenges in accessing quality data and securing funding due to geopolitical influences. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to tackle this complex issue, involving academia, investigative journalism, and civil society to capture gun violence information.

New research-based approach updates welfare states to times of austerity

A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.

Study offers evidence that racial bias is at play in overrepresentation of Black youth in Canadian child welfare systems

Researchers analyzed national data and found Black children were more likely to be investigated and placed out-of-home than white children, even when economic profiles were similar. The study suggests racial bias, specifically anti-Black racism, is a key factor driving these outcomes.

Hot, humid conditions during pregnancy undermine child health much more than heat alone

Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy quadruples the risk of child health problems, especially when combined with high humidity. The added weight and hormonal changes in pregnant women make them more susceptible to heat stress.

How does grandparental care affect children’s health?

Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.

How do childcare tax credits affect children’s long-term health?

Research found that early childhood exposure to childcare tax credits affects children's physical and mental health outcomes differently based on their mothers' educational level. Children of more-educated mothers experienced worse health outcomes, while those of less-educated mothers showed improvements.

Nearly half of Australian adults experienced childhood trauma, increasing mental illness risk by 50 percent

A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.

The law turns a “blind eye” to the severe financial consequences of being in an abusive relationship, study warns

A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.

Integrating children’s health into climate adaptation measures

A Weill Cornell Medicine investigator outlines measures to ensure children's health is accounted for within climate change goals. The author suggests adopting 17 standardized indicators related to childhood mortality rates, nutrition, and vaccination coverage to support other targets like the Sustainable Development Goals.

Childhood blindness: Leopoldina discussion paper recommends realignment of prevention and medical treatment in development cooperation

The Leopoldina discussion paper recommends realigning German development cooperation to focus on both prevention and medical treatment for childhood blindness. The approach, called 'Global Clinical Care', aims to strengthen local care capacities and provide training for ophthalmic specialists through institutional partnerships.

Child welfare system involvement may improve diagnosis of developmental delays

A study found that child welfare system involvement in Pennsylvania increased the likelihood of developmental delay diagnoses for infants and toddlers, particularly those in foster care. Early intervention services were also more accessible to these children.

Researchers highlight ethical concerns when clinical trials are cut short

The termination of thousands of federal grants has raised ethical concerns about clinical trial closures, particularly among children and adolescents. Researchers argue that sudden stops can break trust and harm participants, violating long-standing principles.

Innovative Oxford child anxiety treatment to be rolled out internationally

The University of Oxford's OSI tool, a brief therapist-guided online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy platform, will be tested in five countries in Asia and South America. The project aims to ensure the tool works in various contexts and create conditions for its widespread implementation.

FAU receives $3M federal grant to prevent substance use in at-risk youth

FAU will implement evidence-based prevention strategies for at-risk youth, including LifeSkills Training, mindfulness programming, and peer mentorship. The program aims to drive long-term systems change, train professionals, and serve 600 youth annually over five years.

Instability in foster care doubles the risk of mental health problems, UK study shows

A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.

Halting COVID-related SNAP benefits left families struggling to afford food, household expenses

A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.

Clean air, natural spaces, healthy diets and strong social bonds linked to lower inflammation in childhood

A new study found that better indoor air quality, proximity to natural spaces, healthy diets and strong social bonds are associated with reduced and better-regulated inflammation in childhood. The study used the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) cohort and identified three immune signatures linked to better overall health.

Shared memories, different emotions. How Polish families talk about their migration to Germany

A study by Polish researchers explores how parents and adult children construct shared narratives about their lives in Germany, with different emotional tones. The findings highlight the importance of intergenerational support and preparation for children before departure.

Can social media predict teen health risks?

A study at UT Arlington will explore how social media interactions shape teen mental health and behavior, capturing daily surveys over six weeks. The research aims to identify short-term and long-term predictors of serious health problems.

Parents with alcohol-related diagnoses are twice as likely to maltreat children

A systematic review of child maltreatment found that parents and caregivers with alcohol-related diagnoses were twice as likely to maltreat children. The study pooled data from twelve high-income countries and associated caregiver alcohol-related diagnoses with higher child maltreatment incidence.

So, our city’s shrinking—Now what?

A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.

How Florida’s Guardian ad Litems build trust, bond with youth in foster care

A study explored how GALs form relationships with youth and the role of training in this process. Findings highlight the critical role of trust and suggest that enhanced training programs, including trauma-informed care and advanced communication skills, can empower GALs to build meaningful connections.

Limiting screen time protects children’s mental health

A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.

School social workers an underutilized resource

US schools are struggling to deploy social workers effectively due to a lack of standardization in roles and implementation. Many districts are unclear about the types of work school social workers can do, leading to inconsistent utilization.

Early foster care gave poor women power, 17th-century records reveal

A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.

Children in foster care with disabilities face significant challenges

Research on children in foster care with disabilities found that they are less likely to achieve a positive outcome like adoption or guardianship, and have a higher risk of mortality. Children with specific disabilities, such as intellectual disability, physical disability, and emotional disturbance, were particularly vulnerable.

Scotland’s most vulnerable children taking years to be placed in permanent homes

New research reveals Scotland's care system is taking years to find permanent homes for over 1,800 vulnerable children, with 91% experiencing maltreatment before being taken into care. Many children have no contact with their siblings, and crucial information is often missing from administrative data.

Expanded child tax credit and food insecurity

A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.

Strong insurance laws help kids get access to mental health care

A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.

5 Questions: How opioid treatment can keep newborns out of foster care

A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum found that opioid-exposed newborns are 41% more likely to be discharged home with their biological mother when mothers receive medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. This reduction in risk is significant, as it can have a positive impact on families and the child welfare system.

How did surge facilities impact the time to reunification for unaccompanied migrant children and their families?

A new analysis found that surge facilities reduced the time to reunify unaccompanied migrant children with their families by 30%, preventing a delay of nearly 50 days without such facilities. This study underscores the importance of timely infrastructure for vulnerable groups.

Overburdened caseworkers put foster youths’ online safety on the back burner

Research reveals a lack of training and resources for US caseworkers to address online safety concerns, resulting in prioritization of physical safety over emotional and social well-being. The study proposes socio-technical systems to improve online safety for foster youths.

Developmental supports crucial for young victims of child abuse

A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...

Weighted blankets do not improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment

A recent study by University of Houston sleep expert Candice Alfano found that weighted blankets do not improve sleep for children who have experienced various types of maltreatment, including abuse or neglect. Despite the popularity of weighted blankets as a sleep aid, research has been lacking on their effectiveness in this population.

A UC3M study points out the changes needed to achieve an inclusive care model based on human rights

The UC3M study highlights the need to address structural discrimination and promote person-centered care models. It emphasizes the importance of considering people in need as subjects of rights and promoting social participation and inclusion in the community.

Trauma screening may improve mental health service recommendations for children

A new study from Penn State finds that incorporating a trauma screening into child welfare evaluations leads to better identification of traumatic stress reactions and more appropriate service recommendations. The screening, developed by Christian Connell and Jason Lang, has been shown to increase referrals for specific trauma-focused ...

Foster care involvement among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities face higher risk for foster care involvement, particularly among Black and female populations. The study highlights the urgent need for system-level interventions to address these disparities.

Number of at-risk youth with intellectual disability and autism in the U.S. foster care system is growing

A growing population of youth with autism and intellectual disabilities are involved in the US foster care system, facing increased risks for mental health diagnoses and trauma. Research found nearly 40,000 youth were in foster care in 2016, a 9% increase from previous years.

Stalled progress toward eliminating child marriage in India

Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.

Abortion bans linked to increase in children entering foster system, researchers find

Researchers found restricted abortion access led to more children entering foster care, with a 15% increase for Black and racial minority children. The study used state-level data to evaluate the link between abortion restrictions and foster care entries.

Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, policies contributed to decline in preventive healthcare visits among children of immigrants

A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.

Power meals: Child care-provided meals are associated with improved child and family health

Research found that children in child care with onsite meals and snacks had better health outcomes, including lower rates of food insecurity and hospital admissions. Strengthening child care nutrition programs could benefit families and society as a whole through cost savings and improved health.

A third of children with history of social care face school exclusion

A third of children with a history of social care in England faced school exclusion, according to a new study. The research found that those with special educational needs services or child protection plans were excluded at significantly higher rates than others.

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

Unhealthy beverage consumption highest among economically-vulnerable households that rely on multiple food assistance programs

Research shows that households participating in both WIC and SNAP consume high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mothers with young children who rely on these programs drank SSBs 8.7 times/week, compared to 4.5 times/week for those not participating in either program.

Tools to assess crime risk for young cohorts are likely to fail over time if they ignore social change

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers finds that crime risk assessment tools, such as machine learning models, are prone to cohort bias when ignoring social change dynamics. This bias can generate inequality in the criminal justice system, distinct from racial bias.

Study highlights long-term benefits of family-based care following institutional care

New research highlights the benefits of family-based care for children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation, improving cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social development. The study found that high-quality foster care had a lasting impact on children's brain development and risk of psychopathology.

Annals HRSA Special Supplement February 2023 Media Tip Sheet

This special supplement from Annals of Family Medicine highlights the work of six HRSA-funded academic units focused on advancing health care equity and improving primary care practices. The articles cover topics such as workforce training, mental health care seeking, socioeconomic issues, and whole-person oriented healthcare.

Study examines ties between state TANF policies, Child Protective Services and foster care

A new study by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that increased TANF caseloads were associated with significant reductions in neglect victims and foster care placements. The research suggests that access to the social safety net, in the form of TANF benefits, helps reduce child abuse rates.

Some state welfare policies linked to more foster care

A new national study found that states with restricted access to federal welfare benefits had higher numbers of child neglect victims and more children placed in foster care. The study suggests that making it easier for low-income families to receive cash assistance through the TANF program could prevent some child maltreatment and res...

Effect of patient portal outreach messages on well child care visit completion

Outreach messages via electronic health record patient portals increased well child care visit scheduling and COVID-19 vaccine receipt in a randomized clinical trial of 945 patients. This tool may help restore delayed well child care in populations affected by the pandemic.

Food insufficiency following discontinuation of child tax credit among lower-income households

A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.

Disadvantaged children missing out on meals in childcare

A study by the University of Queensland found that 65% of childcare centers in rural areas provide meals, while those in disadvantaged communities face significant challenges. The provision of high-quality food is essential for children's learning and development, yet many families struggle to afford nutritious meals.

Becoming sober – A ‘voice’ for mothers navigating the child welfare system

Researchers captured mothers' experiences using documentary photography, revealing disempowerment, incongruent systems, and the need for relational support to aid recovery. Positive relationships with others in the recovery community were noted sources of support.