Fallon, B., Ma, J., Black, T. & Wekerle, C. (2011). Characteristics of Young Parents Investigated and Opened for Ongoing Services in Child Welfare. International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, 9(4), 365-381.
Children of young parents may be at increased risk of maltreatment. Young parents are more likely to live in poverty, lack caregiving skills, not complete a secondary school education, and misuse substances. This study explored the characteristics of young parents who were identified in a referral to child welfare services for maltreatment related concerns. Secondary analyses of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect, 2008 (CIS-2008) were performed. The CIS collected data directly from child protection workers in a sample of agencies across Canada. Investigations involving caregivers 30 years of age and younger were used in the analysis. The largest category of caregivers under 30 years was biological mothers age 22 to 30 years old (81%). Investigations involving biological caregivers between 19 and 21 years of age were more likely to be transferred to ongoing services than those investigations involving biological caregivers between 22 to 30 years. The authors conclude that interventions should address the numerous issues young caregivers struggle with, including drug and alcohol misuse and housing issues.
Rae, L. (2011). Inuit Child Welfare and Family Support: Policies, Programs and Strategies. Ottawa: National Aboriginal Health Organization.
The Inuit Child Welfare and Family Support report was developed as a result of the identification of children’s health as a priority within the Inuit Tuttarvingat strategic plan. The report is an amalgamation of research and policy reviews concerning Inuit communities and their involvement with the child welfare system. An overview of the status of Inuit children in Canada is provided, as well as the historical factors contributing to the current challenges faced by Inuit communities. The disproportionate number of Inuit children receiving child welfare and family support services is attributed to systemic issues Inuit communities face, in addition to the lack of Inuit involvement in child welfare legislation. Further research is recommended in order to fully understand the overrepresentation of Inuit children in child welfare care. The determinants of health model provides a framework for understanding the overrepresentation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in the child welfare system and receiving family support. This model considers various personal, economic, social and environmental factors contributing to poor health outcomes, and unhealthy families and communities. Specific issues that impact Inuit communities, such as child and family poverty and community involvement, are identified and included in the proposal for addressing systemic barriers.
Morrison, J., Mishna, F., Cook, C. & Aitken, G. (2011). Access visits: Perceptions of child protection workers, foster parents and children who are Crown Wards. Children and Youth Services Review, 33(9), 1476-1482.
Children who are Crown wards have increasing access to biological parents and family members. The literature on the benefits of supervised access is mixed, resulting in no solid conclusion to suggest that access should or should not be supported. The current qualitative study examines the perceptions of child welfare workers, foster parents and children who have supervised access with family members. Semi-structured interviews were held with 24 children (mean age of 10.8 years). Focus groups with foster parents and child protection workers regarding supervised access provided additional information. The purpose of access visits differed among respondents. Children believed that they would return home, given their continued access with family members, even when told otherwise. Foster parents and workers believed access maintained relationships and attachment between child and family. Workers and foster parents suggested that the utility of supervised access must be assessed on an individual basis. Authors suggest workers who supervise access require training to fully grasp the goals and their role during visits, as well as an increased need for support to children who continue to have access with family members.