Beyond child abuse: the array of family problems brought to the child welfare system

Lindsey Palmer, Tenesha Littleton, Sarah Font, Eunhye Ahn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The majority of children referred to child protective services (CPS) system are not suspected of physical or sexual abuse but face other risks, often captured under neglect. This population-based study analyzed data for 145,745 children referred to the Pennsylvania’s child welfare system in 2021. Parental substance use (28%), child behavioral concerns (24%), and unmet material needs (23%) were the most common allegations. Half of referrals included multiple concerns, but only 34% were valadated, indicating service intervention. Child behavioral health was the most frequent standalone concern (14%). Increasing access to mental health and substance use treatment may reduce CPS referrals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Public Child Welfare
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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