Child and state factors in positive permanency: a multi-level survival analysis. Issue 1 (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaBrenz, Catherine A.; Chakravarty, Sreyashi; Harris, Marian S.; Choi, Mi Jin; Kim, Jangmin; Crutchfield, Jandel; Bai, Rong
• Is Part Of: Journal of public child welfare. Volume 17:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Positive permanency -- racial/ethnic disparities -- disproportionality -- child welfare; Child welfare -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.70973
• DOI: 10.1080/15548732.2021.2004967
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8732

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Positive permanency, or leaving foster care to a permanent family setting, is a priority for children in care. Yet, there are barriers to achieving permanency, particularly among children of color. This study examined child and state factors that impacted permanency outcomes, with a particular focus on racial disparities. The researchers utilized a sample of n = 208, 742 children who entered care in 2016 from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). A series of multi-level survival analyses were conducted to examine child and state system factors associated with positive permanency, with a focus on child race/ethnicity and state disparity indexes. Results confirmed ongoing disparities for Black, American Indian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Multi-Racial children in care. Implications for practice, policy, and future research are explored.