Racial/ethnic disproportionality in reunification across U.S. child welfare systems.
Racial disparities
Reunification
State child welfare systems
Substance use
Journal
Child abuse & neglect
ISSN: 1873-7757
Titre abrégé: Child Abuse Negl
Pays: England
ID NLM: 7801702
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
04 2021
04 2021
Historique:
received:
04
05
2020
revised:
06
11
2020
accepted:
14
12
2020
pubmed:
5
2
2021
medline:
25
11
2021
entrez:
4
2
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Racial/ethnic disparities are persistent in referrals and removals of children into child welfare systems. Yet, less is known about disparities in reunification, and how system factors may contribute to more equitable outcomes for families of color. This study examined racial/ethnic disparities in reunification rates across U.S. child welfare systems controlling for child- and system-factors. Data for this study came from the 2017 Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). We utilized a subsample of n = 284,382 children ages 0-5. We used a bottom-up model building-approach to examine child- and system-factors associated with reunification. A series of multilevel models were run. Less than 3% of the variance in reunification occurred between state child welfare systems. Native American children had lower odds of reunification than White children (AOR = 0.87, p < .001), while Hispanic children had higher odds of reunification (AOR = 1.08, p < .001). Random effects were present for race/ethnicity and interaction terms between race/ethnicity and parental drug use were significant. Racial/ethnic disparities are present in reunification, though these may vary across child welfare systems. Thus, future research could examine state systems that have better outcomes for families of color and examine factors that might explain these relationships.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Racial/ethnic disparities are persistent in referrals and removals of children into child welfare systems. Yet, less is known about disparities in reunification, and how system factors may contribute to more equitable outcomes for families of color.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined racial/ethnic disparities in reunification rates across U.S. child welfare systems controlling for child- and system-factors.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING
Data for this study came from the 2017 Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). We utilized a subsample of n = 284,382 children ages 0-5.
METHODS
We used a bottom-up model building-approach to examine child- and system-factors associated with reunification. A series of multilevel models were run.
RESULTS
Less than 3% of the variance in reunification occurred between state child welfare systems. Native American children had lower odds of reunification than White children (AOR = 0.87, p < .001), while Hispanic children had higher odds of reunification (AOR = 1.08, p < .001). Random effects were present for race/ethnicity and interaction terms between race/ethnicity and parental drug use were significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Racial/ethnic disparities are present in reunification, though these may vary across child welfare systems. Thus, future research could examine state systems that have better outcomes for families of color and examine factors that might explain these relationships.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33540210
pii: S0145-2134(20)30549-4
doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104894
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
104894Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.