Who's Been Served and How?: Permanency Outcomes for Children and Youth Involved in Child Welfare and Youth Corrections. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orsi, Rebecca; Lee, Chris; Winokur, Marc; Pearson, Amanda
• Is Part Of: Youth violence and juvenile justice. Volume 16:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: child welfare -- juvenile justice -- youth corrections -- crossover youth -- congregate care -- beyond control of parents; Youth and violence -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile delinquency -- United States -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Juvenile corrections -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.360973
• DOI: 10.1177/1541204017721614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-2040

Abstract

Child welfare systems were created to protect maltreated children. However, adolescents today can be involved with child welfare for reasons other than maltreatment, including behavior issues. Such youth are also commonly involved in the youth corrections system. This study examines youth characteristics and risk factors which predict attaining permanency at case closure for youth involved in child welfare primarily for behavioral reasons. The sample consists of 5, 691 youth aged 10–17 served in Colorado between 2007 and 2013. A multinomial logit model identified predictors of nonpermanent outcomes and of placement with return home, compared to remaining home throughout case involvement. Results show that the following characteristics and risks have a positive relationship with nonpermanent outcomes: longer case duration, prior child welfare placement, felony involvement, crimes against persons or property, truancy, running away, and gang membership. Services provided by the child welfare system are negatively related to nonpermanent outcomes.