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Abo Hamza E, Tindle R, Pawlak S, Bedewy D, Moustafa AA. The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2023-0163. [PMID: 38607658 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid Abo Hamza
- College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, 289293 Al Ain University , 64141, Al Jimi, UAE
- Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Richard Tindle
- JMS Allied Services, 1109 Coffs Harbour , NSW, 2452, Australia
| | - Simon Pawlak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dalia Bedewy
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, 59104 Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
- 59104 Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, 448704 Bond University , 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Font S, Palmer L. Left behind? Educational disadvantage, child protection, and foster care. Child Abuse Negl 2024; 149:106680. [PMID: 38350401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current educational policies for children involved with the Child Protective Services (CPS) system focus largely on the minority of children currently in or aging out of foster care, and target school stability and college access. OBJECTIVE The present study investigates the nature of secondary (high school) education performance and attainment and post-secondary (college) enrollment among youth with prior or current CPS contact and their low-income, but not CPS-contacted, peers. METHOD Following a cohort of over 63,000 high school students in Wisconsin, we use CPS investigation and placement records, and public school records to evaluate associations between CPS involvement and educational attainment. RESULTS CPS-contacted youth have lower educational performance and greater academic challenges than their low-income peers. Youth aging out of care are uniquely disadvantaged with regard to on-time high school completion but complete high school and enroll in college at equal or higher rates than reunified youth. Across all groups, 55-75 % of those who graduated on time with "basic" or above English and math skills enrolled in college. Foster care experiences, such as time in care and placement instability, were not consistently associated with educational outcomes. CONCLUSION Efforts to improve secondary education experiences are needed to bolster college and career pathways for disadvantaged youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Font
- Sociology & Public Policy, Pennsylvania State University, United States of America.
| | - Lindsey Palmer
- Social Work, University of Utah, United States of America
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Palmer L, Font S, Eastman AL, Guo L, Putnam-Hornstein E. What Does Child Protective Services Investigate as Neglect? A Population-Based Study. Child Maltreat 2024; 29:96-105. [PMID: 35829657 PMCID: PMC10722866 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most child protective services (CPS) investigations involve allegations of neglect. Broad and vague definitions have led to concerns that CPS-investigated neglect is driven by poverty-based material hardship. In a representative sample of 295 neglect investigations in California in 2017, structured data and narrative text fields were used to characterize the types of neglect and concurrent parental risk factors investigated by CPS and to assess the rate and nature of investigated physical neglect, defined as inadequate food, housing, or hygiene. The most common types of neglect were inadequate supervision (44%) and failure to protect (29%), followed by physical neglect (14%). Common risk factors identified in neglect investigations were parental substance use (41%), domestic violence (21%), mental illness (18%), and co-reported physical or sexual abuse (29%). Nearly all investigations of physical neglect (99%) included concerns related to substance use, domestic violence, mental illness, co-reported abuse or an additional neglect allegation (i.e., abandonment). Given concerns identified in neglect investigations, economic supports are likely insufficient without an array of behavioral-health supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Palmer
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Font
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Andrea Lane Eastman
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lillie Guo
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Putnam-Hornstein
- Children’s Data Network, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Vanderfaeillie J, Verheyden C, Stroobants T, Van Dooren E, Van Holen F. The influence of racial perception on the recognition and reporting of child neglect. Child Abuse Negl 2023; 144:106389. [PMID: 37572530 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major concern in the detection and reporting of child abuse and neglect regards the phenomenon of racial bias. OBJECTIVE This research examined whether the assessment and/or decision making concerning a case of neglect by Student Guidance Center-workers (SGC) is racially biased. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 238 Flemish SGC-workers participated and filled in the questionnaire. METHODS A visual vignette was used. SGC-workers were shown pictures of a neglectful situation that randomly varied with respect to whether the child in the picture was colored or white or whether the room was empty. Participants indicated (1) if this was a situation of neglect (yes/no) and (2) if they would report this situation (yes/no). RESULTS The assessment was influenced by the color of the child with a moderate effect (V = 0.23). In case of a white child, 84 % of the respondents assessed the situation as neglect. In case of an empty room 71 % and in case of a colored child only 58 % assessed the situation as neglect (p = .002). Reporting of the case was not influenced by the color of the child (p = .875). CONCLUSIONS SGC-workers assessment of neglect appears to be racially biased. White children are considered more as neglected compared to their colored counterparts. Implementing strategies in order to decrease the racial bias is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Vanderfaeillie
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Psychology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Camille Verheyden
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Psychology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim Stroobants
- Vlaams Expertisecentrum Kindermishandeling, Sainctelettesquare 17, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Erik Van Dooren
- Vertrouwenscentrum Kindermishandeling Brussel, Sainctelettesquare 17, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Holen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Psychology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Palmer L, Herd T, Swanson AS, Felt J, Font S. A Longitudinal Analysis of Concerning Psychotropic Medication Regimens Among Adolescents in Foster Care. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:452-460. [PMID: 37318407 PMCID: PMC10528405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a population-based examination of psychotropic medication use before and after entry into foster care (FC), with special attention on the use of concerning medication regimens: polypharmacy, stimulants, and antipsychotics. METHODS Using linked administrative Medicaid and child protective service data from Wisconsin, we follow a cohort of early adolescents ages 10-13 years who entered FC between June 2009 and December 2016 (N = 2,998). Descriptive statistics and Kaplan Meyer survival curves illustrate the timing of medication. Cox proportional hazard models identify hazard of outcomes (new medication, polypharmacy, antipsychotic, and stimulant medication) during FC. Separate models were run for adolescents with and without a psychotropic medication claim in the six months before FC. RESULTS Overall 34% of the cohort entered with a pre-existing psychotropic medication, accounting for 69% of adolescents with any psychotropic medication claim during FC. Similarly, the majority of adolescents with polypharmacy, antipsychotics or stimulants during FC entered with those prescriptions. Among youth with pre-entry medication, rates of polypharmacy (56%), antipsychotic (50%) and stimulants (64%) were high. Among adolescents who entered FC with no prior medication, placement disruptions (30 days before or after) predicted new medication. DISCUSSION Although a great deal of attention - and policies - have focused on youth in care, there is high reliance on psychotropic medications within the broader population of maltreated adolescents, indicating a need for timely and accurate re-assessment of current and past medications upon entry. Adolescents should also be actively involved in their own health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Palmer
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania.
| | - Toria Herd
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Ann Shun Swanson
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Felt
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah Font
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Davis A, Gourdine R. Intersectionality and Social Security Age-18 Redetermination: Reducing the Stress and Trauma of Transition for Black Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities. Child Adolesc Social Work J 2023; 40:513-523. [PMID: 38031577 PMCID: PMC10686266 DOI: 10.1007/s10560-022-00892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Greater attention is being paid to the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. We are also at a period of reckoning with the vestiges of slavery, Jim Crow, and a lack of constitutional protections for Black-identifying persons. The contemporary impact of inequitable access to opportunities, services, and supports that would improve the quality of life of racialized Black individuals has added consequences for Black youth with disabilities. A sub-population of youth with disabilities receives monthly support in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with a disproportionate number of Black-identifying youth qualifying for SSI. Such youth are impacted by the intersectionality of racism, disability, and poverty. The outcome of an SSI age-18 redetermination can be precarious and occurs in the backdrop of these intersectional forces, impacting the life course of racialized Black youth and their families on a scale that is concerning. The authors describe the time frames of pre age-18 redetermination, age-18 redetermination and post age-18 redetermination in the contexts of intersectionality and transition, and articulate what type of services and supports can reduce the experience of chronic stress in the lives of racialized Black youth facing an SSI age-18 redetermination, and thereby improve the outcomes of these youth as they transition to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Davis
- Johns Hopkins University, 716 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ruby Gourdine
- Professor Emeritus, Howard University, 601 Howard Place NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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Soneson E, Das S, Burn AM, van Melle M, Anderson JK, Fazel M, Fonagy P, Ford T, Gilbert R, Harron K, Howarth E, Humphrey A, Jones PB, Moore A. Leveraging Administrative Data to Better Understand and Address Child Maltreatment: A Scoping Review of Data Linkage Studies. Child Maltreat 2023; 28:176-195. [PMID: 35240863 PMCID: PMC9806482 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221079308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This scoping review aimed to overview studies that used administrative data linkage in the context of child maltreatment to improve our understanding of the value that data linkage may confer for policy, practice, and research. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC electronic databases in June 2019 and May 2020 for studies that linked two or more datasets (at least one of which was administrative in nature) to study child maltreatment. We report findings with numerical and narrative summary. RESULTS We included 121 studies, mainly from the United States or Australia and published in the past decade. Data came primarily from social services and health sectors, and linkage processes and data quality were often not described in sufficient detail to align with current reporting guidelines. Most studies were descriptive in nature and research questions addressed fell under eight themes: descriptive epidemiology, risk factors, outcomes, intergenerational transmission, predictive modelling, intervention/service evaluation, multi-sector involvement, and methodological considerations/advancements. CONCLUSIONS Included studies demonstrated the wide variety of ways in which data linkage can contribute to the public health response to child maltreatment. However, how research using linked data can be translated into effective service development and monitoring, or targeting of interventions, is underexplored in terms of privacy protection, ethics and governance, data quality, and evidence of effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Soneson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shruti Das
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Burn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marije van Melle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mina Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth Gilbert
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Harron
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Howarth
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Ayla Humphrey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter B. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Bullinger LR, Boy A, Feely M, Messner S, Raissian K, Schneider W, Self-Brown S. Home, but Left Alone: Time at Home and Child Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19. J Fam Issues 2023; 44:338-362. [PMID: 36743830 PMCID: PMC9837029 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x211048474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We use high-frequency mobile phone movement data and quick-release administrative data from Georgia to examine how time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic is related to child maltreatment referrals. Findings show that referrals plummeted by 58% relative to previous years, driven by fewer referrals from education personnel. After this initial decline, however, each 15 minutes at home was associated with an increase in referrals of material neglect by 3.5% and supervisory neglect by 1%. Our results describe how children have fared during the initial wave of the pandemic, and the results have long-term implications for child development and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Boy
- Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Megan Feely
- University of
Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | | - Kerri Raissian
- Department of Public Policy, University of
Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
- Kerri Raissian, Department of Public
Policy, University of Connecticut, 10 Prospect St, 4th Floor, Hartford, CT
06103, USA.
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Potter MH, Littleton T, Font SA. State support policies and children's living arrangements. Child Abuse Negl 2022; 134:105873. [PMID: 36099686 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children in the United States live apart from their parents, in either formal or informal foster care, due to concerns about child abuse and neglect. Prior research has established a connection between poverty and child maltreatment, but many aspects of state support to families remain unexamined in relation to child living arrangements. OBJECTIVE We test welfare access, welfare generosity, work supports, and family supports indicators as predictors of foster care removal rates and nonparental care rates. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We use a population of 51 states, including the District of Columbia, for years 2008 to 2018, totaling 561 state-years. METHODS We utilize negative binomial regression models with state and year fixed effects. RESULTS We find that one-dollar higher minimum wages are negatively associated with both foster care removal rates (IRR = 0.947, p < 0.001) and nonparental care rates (IRR = 0.975, p < 0.01), but that other state policies are not consistently beneficial. CONCLUSIONS Our results have implications for policies to assist families and reduce child maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah A Font
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, United States
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10
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Zhang F, Zhang S, Gao X. Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Win-Win Values: Mediating Roles of Childhood Neglect and Self-Continuity. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:882933. [PMID: 35633802 PMCID: PMC9136004 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.882933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The family plays a key role on the development of children. One with low socioeconomic status was more likely to suffer childhood neglect, which might impact on development of self-continuity and win-win values. Using cross-sectional data from 489 participants, this study conducted a mediation model to examine the roles of childhood neglect and self-continuity between socioeconomic status and win-win values. Our results showed that childhood neglect and self-continuity fully mediated the effect of socioeconomic status on win-win values. Specifically, socioeconomic status might affect win-win values through three roles: the individual mediating role of childhood neglect, the individual mediating role of self-continuity, and the multiple mediation roles of childhood neglect and self-continuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Institute of Psychology and Behavior, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Child maltreatment adversely affects health and development, but evidence is needed regarding whether and how Child Protective Services (CPS) interventions may mitigate risks. OBJECTIVE To assess whether different forms of CPS intervention are associated with sexual and reproductive health outcomes among female adolescents investigated by CPS for suspected exposure to maltreatment during childhood. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study used linked, longitudinal, statewide administrative data from Wisconsin, including medical assistance and CPS records, to examine the rates and correlates of sexual and reproductive health outcomes (sexual transmitted infections, pregnancies, births, and high-risk sexual behavior) among 9392 female adolescents tracked from age 13 through 17 years who were investigated by CPS for suspected exposure to maltreatment prior to their 13th birthday. The study assesses how these outcomes were associated with types and frequency of CPS involvement and intervention and with adolescent and family demographic characteristics. Participants were female adolescents born from 2000 through 2002 who were investigated by Wisconsin CPS for suspected exposure to maltreatment before 13 years of age and who were covered by medical assistance at least 85% of the time from 13 to 17 years of age. EXPOSURES Varying levels and intensities of CPS interventions, ranging from a single investigation to adoption from foster care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Dependent variables were pregnancy, birth, sexually transmitted infection, and an aggregate measure of sexual health concerns from 13 to 17 years of age. Primary explanatory variables were the intensity of CPS intervention (investigation only, in-home services, and foster care) and frequency of maltreatment concerns (number of investigations, continued involvement during adolescence). Logistic regression was used to assess the association of CPS measures with differences in sexual health outcomes. Data were analyzed from March 1 to October 12, 2021. RESULTS This cohort study included 9392 female adolescents, among whom 3156 (33.6%) were born in 2000, 3064 (32.6%) in 2001, and 3173 (33.8%) in 2002; 2501 adolescents [26.6%] were Black, 1568 [16.7%] were Hispanic, 1024 [10.9%] were multiracial, 4024 [42.8%] were White, and 275 [2.9%] were listed as other [which included American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander, or unknown race or ethnicity]). By 18 years of age, sizable proportions of maltreated female adolescents had at least 1 concerning sexual health outcome (23.5%), including diagnoses of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis (8.4%), pregnancy (11.2%), and parenthood (6.1%). Compared with CPS investigation without formal intervention, foster care was associated with lower odds of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82; 95% C, 0.69-0.98) and live birth (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99). Recurrent and ongoing CPS involvement was associated with adverse sexual health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that maltreated girls face increased risks of adverse sexual health outcomes in adolescence, but CPS interventions were associated with limited influence. More effective interventions are needed to help maltreated girls avoid teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and risky sexual behaviors in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Font
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Michael Caniglia
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Reeve Kennedy
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Jennie G. Noll
- Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
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12
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Abstract
Despite U.S. child protective services (CPS) agencies relying on mandated reporters to refer concerns of child maltreatment to them, there is little data regarding which children mandated reporters decide to report and not to report. This study addresses this gap by utilizing a population-based linked administrative dataset to identify which children who are hospitalized for maltreatment-related reasons are reported to CPS and which are removed by CPS. The dataset was comprised of all children born in Washington State between 1999 and 2013 (N = 1,271,416), all hospitalizations for children under the age of three, and all CPS records. We identified maltreatment-related hospitalizations using standardized diagnostic codes. We examined the records for children with maltreatment-related hospitalizations to identify hospitalization-related CPS reports and if the child was removed from their parents. We tested for differences in these system responses using multinomial regression. About two-thirds of children identified as experiencing a child maltreatment-related hospitalization were not reported to CPS. We found differences in responses by maltreatment subtype and the type of diagnostic code. Children whose hospitalizations were related to abuse and associated with a specific maltreatment code had increased odds of being both reported to CPS and subsequently removed by CPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Mienko
- Center for Social Sector Analytics & Technology, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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Kobulsky JM, Yoon D, Villodas MT, Schuler BR, Wildfeuer R, Reyes JN. Neglect, Abuse, and Adaptive Functioning: Food Security and Housing Stability as Protective Factors for Adolescents. Children 2022; 9:children9030390. [PMID: 35327762 PMCID: PMC8946869 DOI: 10.3390/children9030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study addresses gaps in knowledge of protective factors that support adaptive functioning among maltreated adolescents. The sample included 1003 high-risk youths participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (53% female, 56% Black, and 82% living in poverty). Adolescent neglect (Exposure to Risky Situations, Lack of Monitoring, Inattention to Basic Needs, Permitting Misbehavior, Lack of Support) and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were self-reported at age 16. Age 18 adaptive functioning measures included healthcare receipt (medical, dental, and mental health), self-rated global health, high school graduation or enrollment, prosocial activities, peer relationships (Companionship, Conflict, Satisfaction, and Intimacy), and independent living skills. Previous childhood maltreatment, demographics, and earlier prosocial activities and peer relationships were controls. Structural equation modeling showed that adolescent neglect and abuse were associated with lower adaptive functioning. Multigroup models showed protective effects for food security on the relationships between sexual abuse and self-rated health and between Inadequate Monitoring and Companionship. Housing stability buffered relationships between Inadequate Support and high school graduation or enrollment and between Permitting Misbehavior and independent living skills. Findings imply the need for adolescent-focused prevention, including the promotion of food security and housing stability to support adaptive functioning in maltreated adolescents. However, notable mixed findings show the need for additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-204-2843
| | - Dalhee Yoon
- Department of Social Work, Binghamton University-State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
| | - Miguel T. Villodas
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Brittany R. Schuler
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - José N. Reyes
- Department of Health Services Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
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Shipe SL, Uretsky MC, Shaw TV. Family outcomes in alternative response: A multilevel analysis of recurrence. Child Youth Serv Rev 2022; 132:106283. [PMID: 35250134 PMCID: PMC8896770 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Alternative response (AR) is preventative, family-centered, strengths-based approach within child protective services (CPS). When AR is offered it typically creates a two-track system where low- to moderate-risk families are not subjected to a traditional, fact-finding response that concludes with a determination of child abuse/neglect. One area that continues to concern child welfare administrators and researchers is recurrence, or when a family returns to CPS. Yet, it is unclear whether AR families have the same or different predictors of recurrence than TR families. Using a multilevel analytic approach, the present study followed 17,741 families in one mid-Atlantic state for 18-months post-response to determine what child, family, and county-level predicted a reported re-investigation and a substantiated re-investigation. We found few differences in predictors at the child and family level but found distinct differences at the county level for AR families. Recommendations are provided for policy, practice, and research, including a suggestion for further inquiry on what makes an optimal AR track.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Shipe
- Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, 202 Henderson Building, University Park, PA, 16802, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA and the Department of Social Work, State University of New York – Binghamton University, 67 Washington St., Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Mathew C. Uretsky
- Portland State University, School of Social Work, Portland, OR, NY, USA
| | - Terry, V. Shaw
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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de Jonge MC, Bukman AJ, van Leeuwen L, Onrust SA, Kleinjan M. Latent Classes of Substance Use in Young Adults - A Systematic Review. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:769-785. [PMID: 35188870 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: This systematic review provides an overview of studies on latent classes related to the substance use among young adults (18-25 years). Identifying these classes helps to detect high-risk groups, setting a base for selective prevention.Methods: This systematic literature review included peer-reviewed studies (published up to February, 2021) that identified latent classes and investigated predictors of latent classes relating to the use of marijuana, alcohol and/or other substances within samples of young adults.Results: Twenty studies (sample sizes N = 171 to N = 21945) met the inclusion criteria. 14 studies identified 'low-level engagers', 'light alcohol and tobacco use', 'heavy alcohol and tobacco use' and 'heavy use/polysubstance use' classes. Four studies differentiated within the 'heavy/polysubstance' class and found 'traditional clubdrugs', 'hallucinogens' and 'wide-range illicit drugs' classes. Male gender and white race predicted membership of the 'heavy use/polysubstance use' class consistently across studies. Other predictors of polysubstance use that were consistent across studies were peer substance use, depressive symptoms, parental drinking and participating in an honor society.Conclusions: The investigated predictors of class membership provide insight into social settings and characteristics that predict heavy use or polysubstance use. They can contribute to the development of effective prevention interventions by allowing for a more targeted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lonneke van Leeuwen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marloes Kleinjan
- Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Despite sufficient evidence to conclude that maltreatment exposure affects the risk of crime and delinquency, we conclude that the unique effects of child maltreatment on crime and delinquency, and the mechanisms through which those effects operate, remain poorly identified. Key challenges include insufficient attention to the overlap of child maltreatment with various forms of family dysfunction and adversity and a lack of comprehensive measurement of the multiple, often comorbid, forms of child maltreatment. We then consider potential impacts of the child welfare system on the maltreatment-crime link. Because the child welfare system typically provides voluntary, short-term services of unknown quality, it likely neither increases nor reduces risks of delinquency and crime for most children who encounter it. For the comparatively small subset of children experiencing foster care, impacts on delinquency and crime likely vary by the quality of environments within and after their time in care - issues that, to date, have received too little attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Font
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Sociology and Criminology, 612 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Reeve Kennedy
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Sociology and Criminology
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17
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Layfield SD, Duffy LA, Phillips KA, Lardenoije R, Klengel T, Ressler KJ. Multiomic biological approaches to the study of child abuse and neglect. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173271. [PMID: 34508786 PMCID: PMC8501413 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment, occurring in up to 20-30% of the population, remains far too common, and incorporates a range of active and passive factors, from abuse, to neglect, to the impacts of broader structural and systemic adversity. Despite the effects of childhood maltreatment and adversity on a wide range of adult physical and psychological negative outcomes, not all individuals respond similarly. Understanding the differential biological mechanisms contributing to risk vs. resilience in the face of developmental adversity is critical to improving preventions, treatments, and policy recommendations. This review begins by providing an overview of childhood abuse, neglect, maltreatment, threat, and toxic stress, and the effects of these forms of adversity on the developing body, brain, and behavior. It then examines examples from the current literature of genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic discoveries and biomarkers that may help to understand risk and resilience in the aftermath of trauma, predictors of traumatic exposure risk, and potential targets for intervention and prevention. While the majority of genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression analyses to date have focused on targeted genes and hypotheses, large-scale consortia are now well-positioned to better understand interactions of environment and biology with much more statistical power. Ongoing and future work aimed at understanding the biology of childhood adversity and its effects will help to provide targets for intervention and prevention, as well as identify paths for how science, health care, and policy can combine efforts to protect and promote the psychological and physiological wellbeing of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Dee Layfield
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Lucie Anne Duffy
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Karlye Allison Phillips
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Roy Lardenoije
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Klengel
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, United States of America
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, United States of America.
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Yoshioka-maeda K, Fujii H. Characteristics of Pregnant Women and New Mothers Identified as Being At-Risk for Child Maltreatment in Early Pregnancy. Women 2021; 1:181-91. [DOI: 10.3390/women1040016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women and new mothers who have risk factors of child maltreatment are “at high risk for future child maltreatment.” Early detection of them is crucial to prevent it. This community-based, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study aimed to identify the characteristics of pregnant women, and those in their postpartum period, identified as at-risk cases for child maltreatment. We used data from the municipal pregnancy registration system in City A and analyzed 206 cases identified as “at-risk for child maltreatment” from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. They were categorized into two groups: a pregnancy group (131 cases, 63.6%) and a postpartum group (75 cases, 36.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that women who reported having poor relationships with their parents and participated in the interview in their early stages of their pregnancy were less likely to be registered as at-risk cases for child maltreatment after delivery. The results suggest that public health nurses (PHNs) can conduct interviews with pregnant women during the early stages of pregnancy to prevent child maltreatment in community settings. Additionally, to ensure safe delivery and childrearing environments, PHNs need to assess the family support capacity of each registered case and provide assistance to those without parental support.
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Löve J, Mehlig K, Källström Å, Hensing G, Gunnarsdottir H. Experiences of family violence and parental unavailability in childhood in relation to parental socioeconomic position and psychological problems: a cohort study of young Swedish women 1990-2013. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:145. [PMID: 33836730 PMCID: PMC8034181 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01292-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the high prevalence and severe consequences for health and wellbeing, epidemiological research of neglected emotional needs during childhood is scarce and little is known about its relation to parental socioeconomic position (SEP). This study investigates the prevalence of family violence and parental unavailability in childhood and its association with parental SEP and parental psychological problems in four strata of young Swedish women examined 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2013. Method The sample comprised 976 women (mean age 22, range 20–25) living in Sweden. Secular trends for family violence, parental rejection and unavailability were analyzed using logistic regression as a function of year of examination. The associations with parental SEP and parental psychological problems were assessed using logistic regression with results in terms of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Results Gendered patterns were observed in the associations between parental psychological problems and family violence and parental unavailability. Maternal psychological problems were associated with maternal rejection OR 6.8 (3.5–13.0), maternal lack of time OR 2.4 (1.2–5.0), and paternal rejection OR 1.9 (1.1–3.5). Paternal psychological problems were associated with paternal rejection OR 4.0 (2.1–7.7), paternal lack of time OR 4.9 (2.3–10.6), and experiencing family violence OR 4.9 (2.1–11.6). Low and medium parental SEP were associated with experience of family violence in childhood OR 3.1 (CI 1.1–8.5) and OR 3.4 (1.7–6.9), respectively. No changes between 1990 and 2013 were observed for the prevalence of any of the outcomes. Conclusions A stable prevalence of family violence and parental unavailability was reported by young women examined between 1990 and 2013. Lower socioeconomic position was associated with family violence while the association with parental unavailability was non-significant. Gendered patterns were observed in the association between parental psychological problems and family violence, where paternal but not maternal psychological problems were associated with family violence. Further, maternal psychological problems were associated with paternal rejection while paternal psychological problems were not associated with maternal rejection. Gendered patterns of parental unavailability need further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Löve
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kirsten Mehlig
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Källström
- School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Hensing
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdottir
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Health Sciences, University West, 461 86, Trollhättan, Sweden.
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