Unsuccessful In-Home Child Welfare Service Plans Following a Maltreatment Investigation

Disparate Placements

The placement process isn’t consistent. Black children who initially remained at home are more often placed out of the home upon follow-up.

Report Results

Child maltreatment reports for children of color are more likely to be substantiated than reports for white children.

When Plans Fall Apart

Researchers found that child welfare service plans failed for one out of every three youth who remained at home following a baseline investigation.

Caregiver Influence

Child welfare service plans are more likely to fail if a child’s primary caregiver is struggling with a substance use issue or behavioral health concern.

Severe Violence Variations

For caregivers who reported using severe violence, a higher proportion of Hispanic and white children had unsuccessful child welfare service plans relative to black children.