Liwei Zhang, Patricia L Kohl, Jana Leigh Woodiwiss, Joyce Joy Wanjiru Ndungu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Using a mixed-methods design, this study examines changes in child maltreatment risk and service delivery from pre- to post-pandemic, focusing on county-to-county variations. Administrative data from Missouri were analyzed to assess county-level differences, with interviews of service providers (n = 15) and parents (n = 9) to contextualize the quantitative findings. Reports and service delivery declined during COVID-19 and, despite some rebound, remained below pre-pandemic levels. Declines were greatest in high-poverty counties, those with larger Black/African American populations, and rural areas. Qualitative data highlighted disrupted surveillance systems, expanded supports reducing reports, and concerns about disproportionate reporting of Black/African American families.
期刊介绍:
Decisions made in the practice of child welfare have lifelong effects on children and their entire families which in turn affects every facet of society. To effectively practice in this vital field, social workers, psychologists, counselors, juvenile court judges, attorneys, and other child welfare professionals need to stay informed about the latest findings and important issues in public child welfare. To answer this crucial need, the Journal of Public Child Welfare provides a broad forum for theory-based and applied research in child welfare. Rather than limit itself to primarily private agencies, this essential journal provides the quality research and comprehensive information that child welfare professionals and public agencies need most.