The Experience of Children and Families Involved with the Child Welfare System
Children who have experienced maltreatment and their families may come into contact with the child welfare system. These children are at risk for a host of negative developmental outcomes due to their experiences of maltreatment and other associated risk factors. Although the systemic intervention provided by the child welfare system is intended to promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children, outcomes suggest that more intervention is needed to support families in providing safe and nurturing environments. Taking an ecological systems perspective, this chapter reviews risk and resilience factors for children and families at the individual, family, social, and societal levels. The current chapter reviews the experiences of children and families who come into contact with child welfare from the initial report of maltreatment to child protective services through the services that are provided to children in their families of origin or in out-of-home placements. Since the child welfare system is considered the gateway that connects many children and families to mental health and other interventions, this chapter reviews model trauma-informed treatment interventions with the greatest level of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Recommendations and future directions for the child welfare system are discussed, including a move toward prevention and early intervention, greater equity, and improved long-term support for families.
