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Font SA, Kennedy R, Littleton T. Child protective services involvement and exclusionary school discipline. Child Dev 2023; 94:1625-1641. [PMID: 37161769 PMCID: PMC10636238 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The study examined the impact of child protective services (CPS) contact on out-of-school suspensions for 49,918 Wisconsin students (followed from ages 5-6 to 14-15; [school years 2010-2019; 74% White; 7% Black; 11% Hispanic; 8% other; 49% female]). A quasi-experimental design comparing recent CPS contact to upcoming (future) CPS contact shows that both recent CPS contact without foster care and future CPS contact predict higher odds of suspension compared with no contact. Higher odds of suspension emerged prior to CPS contact and did not substantially increase during or after CPS contact, suggesting that system-induced stress is not a primary driver of behavioral problems leading to suspension. Foster care reduced the odds of suspension among White children and children in special education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Font
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Reeve Kennedy
- East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Bell MF, Segal L, Dennison S, Kinner SA, Dawe S, Spittal MJ, Preen DB. Numeracy and literacy attainment of children exposed to maternal incarceration and other adversities: A linked data study. J Sch Psychol 2023; 100:101241. [PMID: 37689438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2023.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Parental incarceration has been associated with educational disadvantages for children, such as lower educational attainment, increased grade retention, and truancy and suspensions. However, children exposed to parental incarceration often experience other adversities that are also associated with educational disadvantage; the contribution of these co-occurring adversities has not been considered in previous research. This study aimed to investigate the educational outcomes of children exposed to (a) maternal incarceration alone and (b) maternal incarceration plus other adversities (i.e., maternal mental illness and/or child protective services [CPS] contact). We used linked administrative data for a sample of children whose mothers were incarcerated during the children's childhood (i.e., from the time of mother's pregnancy through the child's 18th birthday; n = 3828) and a comparison group of children whose mothers had not been incarcerated (n = 9570). Multivariate multinomial logistic regressions examined the association between exposure to the three adversities (i.e., maternal incarceration, maternal mental illness, and child CPS contact) and above or below average reading and numeracy attainment in Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9. At all grade levels, children exposed to maternal incarceration alone and those exposed to maternal incarceration plus other adversities had increased odds of below average numeracy and reading attainment and decreased odds of above average numeracy and reading attainment compared to children without any of the recorded exposures. Children exposed to maternal incarceration and CPS contact and those exposed to all three adversities had increased odds of below average reading and numeracy attainment compared to children exposed to maternal incarceration alone. The findings highlight the complex needs of children of incarcerated mothers that must be considered when designing and delivering educational support programs. These children would benefit from the implementation of multi-tiered, trauma-informed educational and clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan F Bell
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Susan Dennison
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia; Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Stuart A Kinner
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia; Justice Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, New South Wales, Australia; Mater Research Institute-UQ, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sharon Dawe
- School of Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Justice Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - David B Preen
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
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Ash MJ, Livingston MD, Komro K, Spencer RA, Walker A, Woods-Jaeger B. The Impact of Increased Minimum Wage on Child Neglect Varies by Developmental Age of Child. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7893-7910. [PMID: 36710665 PMCID: PMC10238664 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221150458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Children in poverty are at significantly greater risk of experiencing child maltreatment. Family economic security policies, such as minimum wage laws, offer a promising prevention strategy to support low-income families. This study utilized data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal birth cohort study, to examine the effect of changes in state-specific minimum wage laws on maternal self-reported child maltreatment and material hardship as it varies by developmental age of the child. A series of fixed effects models with an interaction between the minimum wage and the age of the focal child were used to estimate if there was variation by developmental period of the impact of minimum wage laws on the following outcome variables: all domains of child maltreatment, maternal work-related stress, reported material hardship, aggravation in parenting, and maternal depression. Results revealed significant effects of increased minimum wage on maternal self-reported child neglect and material hardship when children are 3 years of age, and this relationship became non-significant as children aged. No effect was observed by age for other forms of child maltreatment nor any other outcome variables. Study findings suggest minimum wage laws may have differential effects on child neglect depending on the developmental period in which they are received.
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Mehta D, Kelly AB, Laurens KR, Haslam D, Williams KE, Walsh K, Baker PRA, Carter HE, Khawaja NG, Zelenko O, Mathews B. Child Maltreatment and Long-Term Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: An Exploration of Biopsychosocial Determinants and Implications for Prevention. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:421-435. [PMID: 34586552 PMCID: PMC8480117 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment rates remain unacceptably high and rates are likely to escalate as COVID-related economic problems continue. A comprehensive and evidence-building approach is needed to prevent, detect and intervene where child maltreatment occurs. This review identifies key challenges in definitions, overviews the latest data on prevalence rates, reviews risk and protective factors, and examines common long-term mental health outcomes for children who experience maltreatment. The review takes a systems approach to child maltreatment outcomes through its focus on the overall burden of disease, gene-environment interactions, neurobiological mechanisms and social ecologies linking maltreatment to mental ill-health. Five recommendations relating to the accurate measurement of trends, research on brain structures and processes, improving the reach and impact of teleservices for detecting, preventing and treating child maladjustment, community-based approaches, and building population-focused multidisciplinary alliances and think tanks are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Mehta
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adrian B. Kelly
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kristin R. Laurens
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Divna Haslam
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Parenting and Family Support Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kate E. Williams
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Child & Family Studies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kerryann Walsh
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Child & Family Studies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Philip R. A. Baker
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hannah E. Carter
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nigar G. Khawaja
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Oksana Zelenko
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ben Mathews
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Present Address: Child Adversity, Mental Health and Resilience Theme, Centre for Child Health and Well-being, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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Schaefer JD, Cheng TW, Dunn EC. Sensitive periods in development and risk for psychiatric disorders and related endpoints: a systematic review of child maltreatment findings. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:978-991. [PMID: 36403600 PMCID: PMC10443538 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00362-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Variation in the mental health of people who have experienced childhood maltreatment is substantial. One hypothesis is that this variation is attributable, in part, to the timing of maltreatment-specifically, whether maltreatment occurs during sensitive periods in development when the brain is maximally sensitive to particular types of environmental input. To determine whether there is scientific consensus around when periods of peak sensitivity occur, we did a systematic review of human observational studies. Although 89 (75%) of the 118 unique cross-sectional or longitudinal cohort studies we identified reported timing effects, no consistent sensitive periods were identified for any of the most studied outcomes. Thus, observational research on childhood maltreatment has yet to converge on a single period (or set of periods) of increased vulnerability. We identified study characteristics that might contribute to these between-study differences and used observations from our Review to suggest a comprehensive set of recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa W. Cheng
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin C. Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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R-Turgeon N, Gagné MH, Isabelle M. Association between child welfare reporting rates and the developmental vulnerability of kindergarten children at the neighborhood level. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 132:105790. [PMID: 35868171 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, more than one in four children are considered vulnerable in at least one domain of development when they enter kindergarten. Recent studies have suggested that this ratio is higher among those who were previously maltreated. However, little is known about this associations at the neighborhood level, although it may be an interesting way to identify risk areas and highlight child welfare system data to prevent public health issues. OBJECTIVE Using the census tract as the unit of measurement, this study examines the association between the proportions of vulnerable children in different domains of development upon entering kindergarten, and four indicators of child maltreatment (CM) among 0-5 year olds. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING AND METHOD This study is based on the secondary use of data from a survey on the development of kindergartners carried out in 2017, combined with data from child welfare records for that same year. The data have been aggregated on the basis of 759 census tracts located in four health regions of Quebec, Canada. RESULTS The results of spatial regression analyses show that all indicators of maltreatment are positively and significantly associated with each indicator of developmental vulnerability. The size of these associations varies according to the indicators used (β = 0.192, p < .05 to β = 1.587, p < .001). CONCLUSION The results highlight the link between CM and school readiness, including potential externalities on neighborhood children. Neighborhoods at high risk of maltreatment could help identify areas with high rate of vulnerable children in early childhood.
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Early Adverse Childhood Experiences and Social Skills Among Youth in Fragile Families. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:1497-1510. [PMID: 35380397 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with negative health and behavioral outcomes across the life course, yet little is known about the association between early ACEs and social skills among youth. As social skills are often shaped by home environments, and social skills developed in adolescence often persist into adulthood, understanding the processes that drive inequalities in developmental outcomes, such as social skills, is imperative. The present study used data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCW; n = 3245) and ordinary least squares regression analyses to explore the associations between early ACEs by age 5 (i.e., cumulative, timing, duration) and youth social skills (components include: emotional maturity, communication skills, intentionality, and social competence). The weighted sample consisted of urban-born youth (44% female) with a mean age of 15. Racial/ethnic breakdown of the sample is 37% non-Hispanic White, 25% non-Hispanic Black, 28% Hispanic, and 10% 'Other'. Overall, estimates suggest that nearly 79% of these youth experienced at least one ACE by age 5. Furthermore, the results indicated that as the number of early ACEs increased, deficits in social skills also increased. Moreover, the timing of exposure to early ACEs (i.e., high early, intermittent, chronic high) decreased social skills. The findings underscore the unique and robust links between early ACEs and youth social skills, underlining the importance of ACE exposure in social skill development.
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Dilly LJ, Pavlov A. Assessing students in foster care for autism spectrum disorders. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Dilly
- Department of PediatricsMarcus Autism Center, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Alexis Pavlov
- Department of PediatricsMarcus Autism Center, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Wang S, Xu H, Zhang S, Yang R, Li D, Sun Y, Wan Y, Tao F. Linking Childhood Maltreatment and Psychological Symptoms: The Role of Social Support, Coping Styles, and Self-Esteem in Adolescents. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP620-NP650. [PMID: 32389058 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520918571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Psychological symptoms are common among adolescents in China, which are associated with various negative consequences. There has been a pressing need for additional research of factors responsible for the occurrence of psychological symptoms during this developmental period, among which childhood maltreatment, personal coping style, one's levels of social support, and self-esteem deserve our attention. The association between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms is evident; however, the possible mediating effect of the other three factors mentioned above remains unclear. Hence, the current study aims to investigate the possible mediating roles of social support, coping style, and self-esteem in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the development of psychological symptoms among adolescents. An adolescent-based health survey was conducted between 2013 and 2014 in 15 schools in China. A total of 9,704 students (aged 11-19 years) were enrolled and measures on childhood maltreatment, social support, coping styles, self-esteem, and psychological symptoms were completed. It was found that childhood maltreatment was positively correlated with psychological symptoms and negative coping styles, and negatively correlated with social support, positive coping styles, and self-esteem (p < .001). Social support, coping styles, and self-esteem mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms. The estimated effect of childhood maltreatment on the occurrence of psychological symptoms could be explained by the mediation of social support, positive coping styles, negative coping styles, and self-esteem, whose ratio of roles came to 13.8%, 7.5%, 20.9%, and 10.3%, respectively. These findings indicate a need to promote social support, self-esteem, and positive coping styles, and decrease the level of negative coping styles, to markedly reduce the impact of psychological symptoms of childhood maltreatment among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Huiqiong Xu
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Shichen Zhang
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Danlin Li
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhui Wan
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
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Armfield JM, Ey LA, Zufferey C, Gnanamanickam ES, Segal L. Educational strengths and functional resilience at the start of primary school following child maltreatment. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105301. [PMID: 34488051 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study explored the associations between child maltreatment and functional resilience at school commencement, and investigated factors related to resilience separately for boys and girls. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Children were part of a birth cohort of all children born in South Australia between 1986 and 2017 who had completed the Early Australian Development Census (AEDC) at about age 5-6 years when starting primary school (N = 65,083). METHODS Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted with a subsample of 3414 high-risk children who had a maltreatment substantiation or investigation, with resilience defined as having well or highly developed strengths on the Multiple Strength Indicator of the AEDC. RESULTS CPS involvement was strongly associated with poorer functioning at school commencement. Among high-risk children, 51.2% demonstrated resilience. Predictors of resilience in the multivariable model were being older, not having an emotional condition, and being read to at home. Risk factors were being male, living in rural or remote areas, having a physical or sensory disability, or having a learning disability. Boys who had been maltreated demonstrated few strengths and had less resilience than girls. Boys and girls who were read to regularly at home had more than three times the odds of showing resilience than children who were not read to at home. CONCLUSIONS The early learning environment provides an ideal opportunity to identify and intervene to help those children who are struggling with school adjustment following familial maltreatment. Boys are likely to need additional help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Armfield
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lesley-Anne Ey
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carole Zufferey
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emmanuel S Gnanamanickam
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Li D, Ng N, Chu CM, Oei A, Chng G, Ruby K. Child maltreatment and protective assets in the development of internalising and externalising problems: A study of youth offenders. J Adolesc 2021; 91:35-47. [PMID: 34303190 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An emerging trend in child maltreatment research focuses on identifying protective assets that contribute to youth resilience. Extending the trend, this study examines not just whether but also how protective assets in various domains (e.g., the individual, family, and schools) are associated with internalising and externalising problems among youth offenders, which is a population that typically reports a high prevalence of child maltreatment experiences. METHODS This study used the baseline data of 790 youth offenders (85% male) aged between 12 and 19 years old from the EPYC project, a national longitudinal study in Singapore. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the direct effects and interactive effects of protective assets and child maltreatment on internalising and externalising problems. RESULTS For direct effects, maltreated youth offenders reported higher levels of internalising and externalising problems than their non-maltreated counterparts. Higher levels of peer assets were directly related to lower levels of externalising, but not internalising problems. For interactive effects, overall protective assets, school/work assets and internal assets had significant buffering effects against physical/emotional abuse on externalising problems, whereas peer assets showed significant buffering effects against sexual abuse on internalising problems. CONCLUSION An overall level of protective assets, as well as assets from specific domains (peer, school/work, and internal assets) could provide protective effects on problematic behaviours among youth offenders. Interventions seeking to address youth internalising and externalising problems should focus on reducing child maltreatment incidence and enhancing protective assets within these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Li
- Translational Social Research Division, National Council of Social Service, Singapore.
| | - Nyx Ng
- Social Service Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chi Meng Chu
- Translational Social Research Division, National Council of Social Service, Singapore; Policy Research Office, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
| | - Adam Oei
- Translational Social Research Division, National Council of Social Service, Singapore.
| | - Grace Chng
- Translational Social Research Division, National Council of Social Service, Singapore.
| | - Kala Ruby
- Probation and Community Rehabilitation Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
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Early school suspensions for children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2021.101300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Brassard MR, Hart SN, Glaser D. Psychological maltreatment: An international challenge to children's safety and well being. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104611. [PMID: 32660756 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child psychological maltreatment (PM), also known as emotional abuse and neglect, mental violence, and emotional maltreatment, is the least recognized and addressed of the four major forms of child maltreatment. OBJECTIVES This article provides an 1) the history of PM and its relationship to children's rights, 2) an overview of the current state of knowledge, 3) implications of diversity for the topic of PM, 4) an example of a topic-relevant intervention, and 5) a vision for further progress in addressing this form of child maltreatment. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS NA. METHOD Literature review, intervention description of fabricated or induced illness, and expert opinion. RESULTS PM is directly implicated in seven of the articles of the Convention. PM is common, reliable definitions of PM exist and need to be applied to practice and public health surveillance, harmfulness has been empirically established but is not fully appreciated, and countries vary dramatically in terms of incidence. CONCLUSIONS PM is a human rights issue that must be addressed through child protection and promotion of child wellbeing. Adoption of reliable definitions of the different aspects of PM for Child Protective Service practice is a top policy goal. The development of empirically supported curricula on PM for training professionals and parents and culturally sensitive interventions to change social norms on the use of psychologically aggressive disciplinary practices and other forms of PM are critical research needs. Well-validated interventions to support quality parent-child relationships and support families exist and need to be widely adopted. Individual child protective measures should be confined to cases of ongoing serious PM when interventions have failed to reduce harm to the child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stuart N Hart
- Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, USA
| | - Danya Glaser
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College, London, UK
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Laurens KR, Islam F, Kariuki M, Harris F, Chilvers M, Butler M, Schofield J, Essery C, Brinkman SA, Carr VJ, Green MJ. Reading and numeracy attainment of children reported to child protection services: A population record linkage study controlling for other adversities. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 101:104326. [PMID: 32014797 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maltreated children are at risk of poor educational outcomes, but also experience greater individual, family, and neighbourhood adversities that may obscure an understanding of relationships between child protection involvement and educational attainment. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between child protection involvement and 3rd- and 5th-grade reading and numeracy attainment, while controlling multiple other adversities. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 56,860 Australian children and their parents from the New South Wales Child Development Study with linked multi-agency records. METHODS Multinomial logistic regressions examined associations between level of child protection involvement (Out-Of-Home Care [OOHC] placement; substantiated Risk Of Significant Harm [ROSH]; unsubstantiated ROSH; non-ROSH; and no child protection report) and standardised tests of 3rd- and 5th-grade reading and numeracy. Fully adjusted models controlled demographic, pregnancy, birth, and parental factors, and early (kindergarten) developmental vulnerabilities on literacy and numeracy, and other developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, communication). RESULTS All children with child protection reports were more likely to attain below average, and less likely to attain above average, 3rd- and 5th-grade reading and numeracy, including children with reports below the ROSH threshold. Children with substantiated ROSH reports who were not removed into care demonstrated the worst educational attainment, with some evidence of protective effects for children in OOHC. CONCLUSIONS A cross-agency response to supporting educational attainment for all children reported to child protection services is required, including targeted services for children in OOHC or with substantiated ROSH reports, and referral of vulnerable families (unsubstantiated and non-ROSH cases) to secondary service organisations (intermediate intervention).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R Laurens
- School of Psychology and Counselling, and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fahkrul Islam
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maina Kariuki
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felicity Harris
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Merran Butler
- NSW Department of Family and Community Services, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Sally A Brinkman
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Population Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Rossen L, Tzoumakis S, Kariuki M, Laurens KR, Butler M, Chilvers M, Harris F, Carr VJ, Green MJ. Timing of the first report and highest level of child protection response in association with early developmental vulnerabilities in an Australian population cohort. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 93:1-12. [PMID: 31026680 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment is associated with early childhood developmental vulnerabilities. However, the extent to which higher levels of child protection responses confer benefit to developmental competencies, and the impact of earlier timing of first reports in relation to early childhood vulnerability remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between early developmental vulnerabilities and (1) the highest level of child protection response (where OOHC was deemed the highest response among other types of reports/responses), and (2) the developmental timing of the first child protection report. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants included 67,027 children from the New South Wales Child Development Study, of whom 10,944 were reported to child protection services up to age 5 years. METHODS A series of Multinomial Logistic Regressions were conducted to examine focal associations. RESULTS Children with substantiated maltreatment reports showed the strongest odds of vulnerability on three or more developmental domains (adjusted OR = 4.90; 95% CI = 4.13-5.80); children placed in OOHC showed slightly better physical, cognitive and communication competencies (adjusted ORs from 1.83 to 2.65) than those with substantiated reports that did not result in OOHC placements (adjusted OR from 2.77 to 3.67), when each group was compared to children with no child protection reports. Children with first maltreatment reports occurring in the first 18 months of life showed the strongest likelihood of developmental vulnerabilities on three or more developmental domains (adjusted OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 3.15-4.01) relative to children with no child protection reports. CONCLUSION Earlier reports of maltreatment may signal the need for targeted remediation of early developmental competencies to mitigate early developmental difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Rossen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stacy Tzoumakis
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maina Kariuki
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristin R Laurens
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Merran Butler
- NSW Department of Family and Community Services, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Felicity Harris
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.
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16
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Cage J, Yoon S, Barhart S, Coles C, McGinnis HA, Starns AL. Measuring school engagement for child welfare involved youth: Assessing the dimensionality of the Drug Free School Scale. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 92:85-92. [PMID: 30933834 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) have consistently used the scale developed from the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) to examine school engagement. Although the DFSCA is widely used, no study has examined the factor structure to determine if the scale is best used as a summative score of all items or as a three-factor variable distinguishing behavioral, emotional, and cognitive school engagement. OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the hypothesized factor structure of the DFSCA scale by testing models previously supported in the literature. METHODS Using NSCAW-I data, we performed confirmatory factor analysis in a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. PARTICIPANT The study sample included 2429 children and adolescents who were between 6 and 15 years of age who had recently been investigated by child protective services due to a maltreatment report. RESULTS Results indicated that school engagement is a multidimensional concept measuring behavioral, emotional, and cognitive-behavioral dimensions. This model has not been used in studies using NSCAW data, to date. These findings highlight the importance of exploring and understanding the factor structure of instruments before using an instrument in studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Cage
- Virginia Commonwealth University, United States.
| | - Susan Yoon
- The Ohio State University, United States
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