Exploring child welfare pathways and dual system involvement

Purpose

This study used sequence analysis to explore whether the timing and nature of child protective services (CPS) experiences led to CPS pathways and differential rates of juvenile justice involvement (i.e., dual system involvement).

Data & methods

Retrospective cohorts of young people born between 1998 and 2001 and involved with CPS in Los Angeles County between birth and 18 were identified. Subsequent DSI was measured using linked administrative data from probation. Sequence analysis was applied prospectively to analyze how CPS experiences manifested into CPS pathways.

Results

Four CPS pathways were produced: (1) Early Exit Pathway; (2) Childhood Limited Pathway; (3) Adolescent Pathway; and (4) Persistent (from childhood into adolescence) Pathway. The DSI rate was 5.0 %; however, DSI rates varied across pathways. The lowest rate was found for the Early Exit Pathway (1.5 %), and the rate for the Persistent Pathway was the highest (12.0 %). All pathways had increased likelihoods for DSI compared to the Early Exit Pathway, but the Persistent Pathway had largest likelihood increase.

Conclusion

Youth with persistent CPS involvement had the highest likelihood of DSI while those in the Adolescent Pathway accounted for the largest share of DSI. Findings highlight the importance of developmentally tailored strategies that respond to the timing of CPS involvement to reduce DSI.