Services Received vs Services Needed by Families in Child Welfare Systems

Abstract

This article compares and contrasts the services needed by families in child welfare systems with the services that families receive. A mixed-methods approach was used to triangulate data from a variety of sources, including administrative databases, case file reviews, and focus groups with child welfare caseworkers and clients. Through this analysis, four overarching themes are explored: (a) perceptions of system-involved families' needs, (b) engagement of families in service planning, (c) availability and accessibility of services, and (d) the quality and appropriateness of services provided to families. Findings suggest that considerable gaps and barriers exist that prevent systeminvolved families from receiving the services they need. The manuscript concludes with research and practice recommendations about meeting the service needs of families in child welfare systems.

The differential association of socioeconomic vulnerabilities and neglect-related child protection involvement across geographies: Multilevel structural equation modeling

“…These studies have found that the supply of child protection intervention, and socioeconomic inequalities where services are implemented can be inversely related to the locally demonstrated "deprivation" or need, meaning that similar demand elicits different supply depending on local contexts (Bywaters, 2019;Bywaters et al, 2015Bywaters et al, , 2018Webb et al 2020a;Webb et a., 2020b). Further, a recent study noted that services received by families involved with child protection may not be appropriate for the needs the families themselves identify as most crucial (Armstrong et al, 2019), indicating that an adequate supply of services will depend on unique needs within particular communities and families. Where families who may need more support receive less than others, policies targeted to specific areas of vulnerability may be appropriate to reduce barriers to needed forms of support for particular groups (Victora et al, 2018).…”

Predictors of Adoption and Guardianship Dissolution: The Role of Race, Age, and Gender Among Children in Foster Care

“…Current financial subsidies for adoptive families may be beneficial, but access to high-quality post-permanency services may also be necessary. Families frequently need counseling/psychological services, medical services, housing services, assistance with child care, and educational services (Armstrong et al, 2019; Liao & White, 2014). Yet, families report they are sometimes unable to access needed services or face substantial delays in access (Armstrong et al, 2019; Liao & White, 2014).…”

“…Families frequently need counseling/psychological services, medical services, housing services, assistance with child care, and educational services (Armstrong et al, 2019; Liao & White, 2014). Yet, families report they are sometimes unable to access needed services or face substantial delays in access (Armstrong et al, 2019; Liao & White, 2014). Even when services are received, both families and staff have questioned their quality and effectiveness (Armstrong et al, 2019).…”

“…Yet, families report they are sometimes unable to access needed services or face substantial delays in access (Armstrong et al, 2019; Liao & White, 2014). Even when services are received, both families and staff have questioned their quality and effectiveness (Armstrong et al, 2019). Thus, providing high-quality services in a timely manner might be most beneficial to adoptive and guardianship placements.…”