Articles tagged with Child Welfare
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that only 35% of eighth and ninth graders in the child welfare system have received information on birth control, and even fewer know how to access it. The study highlights a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education for this vulnerable population.
A UConn study found that Connecticut's notification system for substance-ex exposed infants has connected over half of identified cases with community supports and services. The system, which uses de-identified data, has shown promise in reducing disparities in testing and reporting, but there is still room for improvement.
A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
A UConn study suggests that frequent communication between caseworkers and professionals involved in child welfare cases is associated with increased likelihood of timely family reunification. The research highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration to identify barriers, stay on the same page, and make timely decisions.
A survey study found an association between childcare stress and burnout, anxiety, depression, and intent to reduce hours or leave the job. Healthcare workers experienced increased stress and burnout during the pandemic, leading to a higher likelihood of leaving their jobs.
Children with complex congenital heart defects are 5 times more likely to receive an anxiety diagnosis, highlighting the need for mental health assessment and treatment. For adults, 50% experience mood or anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health care in CHD specialty teams.
A nationwide study found that states with more generous SNAP policies had fewer children involved in Child Protective Services and sent to foster care. The study showed a 5% increase in SNAP beneficiaries reduced CPS and foster care caseloads between 7.6% and 14.3%.
A new study found that 64% of adults who had contact with the child welfare system as children achieve excellent mental health, highlighting resilience and factors associated with flourishing. Chronic pain, major depression, and social isolation hinder optimal mental health.
A national study found that differential response programs, which provide voluntary services to families at risk of child maltreatment, were associated with a 19% reduction in substantiated reports of child maltreatment and a 25% decrease in neglect reports. These programs also led to a 17% reduction in foster care placements.
A new study from George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services researchers found that the likelihood of foster youth with disabilities experiencing homelessness or incarceration during transition to adulthood varies by type of disability. Youth with emotional disabilities are more likely to experience homelessness, whi...
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A new study found that most children living in out-of-home care don't access health services within nationally required timeframes, highlighting a significant gap in the system. The research revealed that only one in 130 had attended all recommended health services within 12 months of entering out-of-home care.
Research by Robert Sege and Allison Stephens found that emergency department visits, abusive head trauma admissions, and child welfare reports decreased during the pandemic. The authors attribute this decline to increased support for families, including financial assistance, paid parental leave, and other social factors.
A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.
A study by McGill University researchers found that child marriages in 14 US states violated statutory rape laws, often due to exemptions allowing sex between married couples. The research highlights the need to reexamine marital exemptions and raise the minimum legal age for marriage to avoid inconsistencies.
A new study in Ohio finds that neighborhoods with more opioid overdoses have higher rates of child welfare investigations and confirmed cases of child maltreatment. Concentrated disadvantage measures, such as poverty levels, are particularly associated with severe issues with child maltreatment.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
Forced family separation on the US-Mexico border led to a high incidence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety disorders in asylum-seeking children and parents. Reunification did not alleviate these symptoms, highlighting the need for continued support and intervention.
A study found that prescription drug monitoring programs in states significantly reduced child maltreatment incidents, with significant declines in neglect and physical abuse cases. The implementation of PDMPs was particularly effective in reducing maltreatment among American Indian and Alaskan Native children.
A new visual analytics tool, Sibyl, was developed to help child welfare specialists understand machine learning predictions. The tool uses bar graphs to show how specific factors of a case contribute to the predicted risk that a child will be removed from their home within two years.
The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.
Children in foster care are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications, with a prevalence of 35% compared to 8% for non-foster peers, according to a new study. The research found significant differences in medication use across all age groups.
Adults in the child welfare system with substance misuse issues have higher scores on a trauma questionnaire than previously estimated for other adults and the general population. Children in these families also experience more trauma, with trauma scores 27% higher than those in the juvenile justice system.
A recent study by North Carolina State University highlights key factors that facilitate engaging nonresident fathers in child welfare efforts. The study found that social service providers who work with male social workers and incorporate specific values and mindsets into their practice can effectively engage fathers.
Professor Michael E. Wolf-Braningin received awards totaling $267,675 from the US Department of Health and Human Services to support student stipends for child welfare careers. The awards are part of a partnership between George Mason University's social work department and the Virginia Department of Social Services.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that quality supervisory support and strong relationships with coworkers are crucial for child welfare caseworkers' job satisfaction. The study also highlighted the importance of adequate technology and equipment in managing workload effectively.
A new study found that youth with a history of foster care have self-identified dental needs, including issues with pain, and less access to a dentist to address these needs. Approximately 44% of youth with a history of foster care reported at least one dental problem.
New research from the University of Georgia shows that foster care and homelessness create significant barriers to higher education success. Stable housing and financial support are top concerns for these students. Institutions like UGA are implementing programs to address this issue, but more needs to be done at the federal level.
A recent study found that foster youth aged 14-20 struggle with basic financial skills, such as opening a bank account or building savings. The researchers recommend incorporating financial literacy courses and increased support from case workers to help them transition to independence.
A new study examines the application of a risk assessment tool in child welfare decision-making and finds drastically different approaches between two states. The 'Goldilocks problem' highlights the challenges of standardizing a complex process, where too much rigidity can lead to inaccurate outcomes.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that youth in the child welfare system who died by suicide were more likely to have experienced out-of-home placements, mental health conditions, and visited healthcare settings. Integrating suicide prevention strategies into healthcare delivery is crucial for this vulnerable population.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Housing First Project aims to address critical housing needs of at least 25 students pursuing college degrees each year. The program provides rental assistance, wrap-around support, and educational resources for 12-24 months to support degree completion.
Researchers developed a tool to measure the quality of care in kinship settings, addressing the lack of standardized screening tools. The 36-item scale assesses five key criteria, including caregiver capacity and neighborhood support.
Michael E. Wolf-Branigin, a Professor of Social Work at George Mason University, has been awarded a Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program grant valued at $267,675. The funding supports the development of social work students for long-lasting careers in child welfare.
Children in social care have poorer mental health and school performance, but trust school staff and perform better after individual assessments. School-based interventions can help these children do better, with improved intelligence, literacy, and mathematical skills, according to a new study.
A study by New York University researchers found that nearly half of 17-year-old foster youth use counseling services and almost a third take medications for mental health issues. However, many report feeling unprepared to manage their mental health, highlighting the need for targeted support interventions.
Project Nurture, a novel treatment and social services program, has been shown to reduce child maltreatment and foster care placement by more than 8 percentage points. The program also increases prenatal visits and hospital length-of-stay for new mothers with opioid use disorder.
A population study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that preterm children are at least one and a half times more likely to be placed outside the home than full-term counterparts. The likelihood of placement is highest during early childhood, with no difference observed after age 5.
A $2.64 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services will support a program to improve outcomes for children and families affected by addiction. The partnership aims to increase well-being, permanency, and safety for children in out-of-home placements due to parental substance misuse.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that spending more on transitional housing for teens aging out of foster care can prevent homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, and early childbirth. States that spend above average on housing support have lower rates of negative outcomes among these youth.
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that foster carers of LGBTQ young people often lack knowledge, skills, and support to meet their needs. This can lead to negative attitudes and approaches going unchallenged, causing harm to the young people in care.
Nearly 1.2 million children (23%) were removed from foster care due to parental drug use during the 2000-2017 period, with a notable increase in opioid-related cases. The study highlights the growing impact of parental substance abuse on child welfare.
Researchers from Oxford University and the International Fund for Animal Welfare document a wild group of endangered Barbary macaques adopting an injured juvenile from a neighboring group. The unusual display of concern provides valuable information for rehabilitation and release strategies.
Researchers identified 11 primary challenges faced by therapists, including unrealistic agency expectations, inadequate support, and heightened case complexity. Therapists reported needing targeted trainings to improve service delivery for children and families.
A recent ASU study found that short-term foster care, also known as sleepovers, can significantly reduce stress in shelter dogs. The study tracked the dogs' stress hormone cortisol levels before, during, and after sleepovers, showing a significant decrease in stress levels.
A University of Cincinnati study identified more than 1,000 victims of human trafficking in Ohio, as well as 4,209 individuals at risk of victimization. The study provides recommendations to improve data collection and collaboration among agencies involved in combating human trafficking.
A new study found that LGBTQ youths are more likely to end up in foster care or unstable housing, suffering negative outcomes such as substance abuse and mental health issues. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 593,000 California youths and revealed that nearly 30% of those living in foster care identified a...
Research highlights long-term cognitive deficits in children from institutions, but benefits observed with foster care; gaps persist despite intervention. Cognitive improvements seen in visual-spatial memory among placed-in-foster-care children.
A study found that calls to a child abuse hotline for elementary school children increased on Saturdays when report cards were released on Fridays. The analysis included 1,943 verified cases of physical abuse, highlighting the need for further study to understand this correlation.
Researchers identified key strategies to differentiate practices with improved performance for chronic disease patients, including fostering intrinsic motivation among providers and staff. These findings inform payers and primary care practices seeking evidence-based strategies to foster a stronger delivery system.
A new report by University of Huddersfield researchers found that 35 children out of every 10,000 in Northern Ireland are in social care, compared to 52 in England, 62 in Wales, and 82 in Scotland. This difference is attributed to various factors, including policy, family circumstances, and community dynamics.
A new film premiering this weekend sheds light on the experiences of LGBTQ young people in care, highlighting vulnerability, risk, and resilience. The study found that support is limited by a lack of knowledge and confidence among professionals.
A new study reveals that households in cohesive neighborhoods with less spanking are less likely to be involved in the child welfare system. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,300 families and found that strong social connections protect families from CPS intervention.