Enhancing Behavioral Health Services for Child Welfare-Involved Parents: A Qualitative Study. Issue 5 (20th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boel-Studt, Shamra M.; Flynn, Heather A.; Deichen Hansen, Megan E.; Panisch, Lisa S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of public child welfare. Volume 16:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 607
• Page End: 631
• Publication Date: 2022-10-20
• Subjects: Child welfare -- parental behavioral health -- measurement-based care -- assessment -- screening -- engagement; Child welfare -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.70973
• DOI: 10.1080/15548732.2021.1942389
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8732

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Behavioral health issues are prevalent among child welfare-involved parents. Despite associations with parenting challenges and maltreatment, parents' behavioral health conditions often go untreated. In this study, we explore challenges with addressing behavioral health needs of parents involved in the child welfare system. Focus groups with child welfare and behavioral health providers were conducted to explore gaps and opportunities to enhance behavioral health care for child-welfare involved parents. Three themes were identified: parental motivation and buy-in, behavioral health assessments and screenings, and communication and service coordination. Implications for policy and practice include increased training on measurement-based care and effective cross-system collaboration.