Journal of Public Child Welfare最新文献

Family engagement in residential treatment (RT) improves relationships, treatment participation, and behavior, yet standardized measures are lacking. This study developed and piloted the Family Engagement in Residential Care Measure through a multi-phase process: item generation with family input, small group reviews, and pre-pilot testing for clarity. A cross-sectional pilot at an RT-focused conference retained 29 items across five subscales, each showing high internal consistency. Participant feedback informed wording revisions and structure. Stakeholder involvement throughout the process ensured the measure's relevance and clarity. The Family Engagement in Residential Care Measure shows promise; however, it requires further validation in future research.

This pilot study sought to examine the acceptability of implementing a modified behavioral parent training program, the 4Rs and 2Ss intervention, within a Child Welfare (CW) placement prevention service. CW staff (n=12; caseplanners (n=6), supervisors (n=4), and administrators (n=2)) and CW-involved families (n=12) completed surveys which were followed by semi-structured interviews and a focus group to explore the acceptability of implementing the modified 4Rs and 2Ss in the CW setting. All quantitative benchmarks for high acceptability were met (i.e., treatment satisfaction; acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention; attitudes towards evidence-based practices [EBP]). CW staff reported acceptability of the program based on the characteristics of the intervention, overall support received, and appropriateness of the intervention, but had mixed perceptions related to the consultation time commitment and the training received, while role conflict posed as a barrier to acceptability. For CW-involved families, acceptability was enhanced by the recruitment and eligibility process, logistical support (e.g., childcare, transportation, meal), group environment, and child and family wellbeing. Caregivers' acceptability was hindered by the lack of separation between parent and children during group sessions, group size and duration, some session activities, and the voluntary versus crises-oriented focus of caregivers' participation in the program.

The majority of children who encounter the child protective services (CPS) system are referred for reasons other than suspected physical or sexual abuse. Yet, specific concerns or risks, typically falling under the umbrella of neglect, remain poorly documented in academic and public debate. Using population-based data for 145,745 children referred to the Pennsylvania child welfare system in 2021 for reasons other than physical or sexual abuse, this study describes the types and overlap of family concerns documented. Parental substance use was the most frequent allegation (28% of referrals), followed by child behavioral concerns (24%) and unmet material needs (23%). There was a high degree of comorbidity, with half of referrals including allegations in multiple categories. Yet, only 34% were found valid, indicating service intervention. Of all allegation types, child's behavioral health was most likely to appear alone, with 14% of referrals reporting a concern about the child's behavior with no co-occurring allegations. Findings suggest that there is no single driver of the high volume of CPS referrals. However, a focus on increasing access to effective mental health and substance use treatment for parents and adolescents may reduce reliance on CPS to address these crises.