Applying Findings to Practice

Abstract

The number of children of Latino descent in the United States represents one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S. foster care system in certain states and regions. However, little is known about the mental health status of these children, especially those in the welfare system. This study analyzed national data related to the incidence and severity of depression among children of Puerto Rican, Mexican, and other Latin and South American descent. The researchers hypothesized that caregivers who had resided in the United States more than 10 years would have higher rates of stress-related disorders, which would result in higher rates of depression among their children. The researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data from National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Data from 385 children of Latino descent, aged 7 to 14 years, who had contact with the public child welfare system were analyzed. The average age of the children was 10.5 years, and 56% were girls. Most (78%) lived in homes with their caregivers; 40% reported speaking Spanish regularly in the home; and 47% were receiving child welfare services. Caregivers had an average of four biological children, 30% were married, and 16% had earned a high school degree or equivalent. The majority had incomes less than US$20,000. The Child Depression Inventory was administered at three intervals over 18 months. The researchers found that levels of child depression decreased over time (11% were clinically depressed at the onset, but only 4% were depressed by the third measurement after 18 months). When other variables were analyzed, older children were more likely to be clinically depressed than younger children, and children of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent were more likely to be depressed than children from other Latino origins.