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 language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 168-185 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of Public Child Welfare |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2026 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science
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