Objective: There is ongoing debate regarding the impact of youth behavior problems on placement change in child welfare compared to the impact of placement change on behavior problems. Existing studies provide support for both perspectives. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the relations of behavior problems and placement…

The rate of poverty for children in the United States is far higher than for other advantaged nations (Payne & Biddle, 1999) with an estimated 13.3 million children, 18% of all children, living below the poverty threshold (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 2008). An estimated 5.8 million children live in extreme poverty where their families earn less…

Describes implementation of Professional Review Action Group (PRAG) model for reviewing cases of disrupted family reunification. Notes that model provides for care review, periodic reporting of review findings, and recommendations for and documentation of corrective actions. Explains how, in first 62 cases reviewed, both family and service…

This issue brief from the National Association of Child Advocates provides background on traditional child protective services (CPS) systems, including weaknesses of the traditional CPS model, and describes the underlying philosophy and practical application of the CPS reform models that are being implemented in a number of states. Key elements of…

This report presents highlights of a seminar which focused on solutions emerging at the local and state level to keeping troubled families together. Comments by these panelists are summarized: Elizabeth Cole, a consultant to many family preservation projects; Kristine Nelson, a researcher on the social work faculty of the University of Iowa; Bill…

This case study documents reform policies and practices for handling juveniles, and the development of complete monitoring of child welfare and juvenile facilities. Due to the work of citizen and child advocacy groups, ways have been developed in Pennsylvania to determine whether state and federal laws regarding institutionalized children are…

Uses the pyramid-of-services model to organize the complexity of child day care systems and to delineate their place in the framework of family preservation and support services. Argues that the family focus of family preservation and family support can utilize the unique elements of child day care as a vehicle for family empowerment. (MDM)

On June 9, 1987, a hearing was held for the purpose of receiving testimony about family preservation programs that aim to keep children out of foster care by strengthening troubled families. Testifying were program providers, a juvenile court judge, and families who have benefited from family preservation services. Testimony focused on the…

This report summarizes the mass of information dealing with delinquent and neglected children. The first chapter discusses characteristics that identify neglected and delinquent youth with an emphasis on social and emotional maladjustment. The second chapter reviews cultural and environmental factors related to delinquency. The author investigates…

This framework for methodological issues in risk assessment in child protective service work addresses standards for determination of risk; types of data collected; sources of information; types of possible errors; incremental validity issues; cultural context of decision making; assessment of problem origins; selection of outcome goals and…

Claims that provision of culturally relevant, effective medical and psychosocial services is yet to be achieved. Asserts that before significant progress toward these goals can be made, what constitutes cultural competence must be elucidated. Describes the Cultural Competence Attainment Model and addresses the effects of cultural incompetence.…

Discussed are practical factors involved in planning and carrying out child abuse and neglect treatment programs. It is explained that the information is based on the experience of 11 demonstration projects in 10 states. Chapter 1 details planning theories and offers a model for program planning. Chapter 2 is designed to inform planners of typical…

Presents a multiple-risk model wherein the psychosocial needs of troubled children can be easily assessed in a uniform way. Reports that model has sufficient reliability. Uses model to describe the mean-risk profiles of children in five major welfare programs for children in Holland; discusses how risk profiles can assist in selecting a program…

Examines some reasons for the failure to protect young people in England and Wales from sexual abuse inherent in prostitution. Identifies characteristics of the child protection system which fit poorly for work with these youth. Argues that lasting improvement of these children's well-being depends on the creation of "joined-up,"…