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Child welfare caseworkers' perspectives on the challenges of addressing mental health problems in early childhood

Author

Listed:
  • Hoffman, Jill A.
  • Bunger, Alicia C.
  • Robertson, Hillary A.
  • Cao, Yiwen
  • West, Kristopher Y.

Abstract

Although nearly half of child maltreatment victims are under the age of five and at high risk for developing serious emotional or behavioral problems, few young children involved in the child welfare system receive treatment. As the first point of service contact, child welfare caseworkers can play a key role in quickly identifying children with mental health problems and linking them to services. This study examines caseworkers' perspectives on the challenges of addressing mental health problems in early childhood. Based on five focus groups conducted with 50 caseworkers from an urban, public child welfare agency, results suggest that although workers acknowledge the importance of early intervention, difficulty identifying mental health needs in early childhood and workplace barriers impede linkage to services. Given the lasting impacts of early experiences on children's development, it is imperative that these challenges be addressed. Implications for systematic mental health screening and caseworker training are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoffman, Jill A. & Bunger, Alicia C. & Robertson, Hillary A. & Cao, Yiwen & West, Kristopher Y., 2016. "Child welfare caseworkers' perspectives on the challenges of addressing mental health problems in early childhood," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 148-155.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:65:y:2016:i:c:p:148-155
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.04.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Perez Jolles, Monica & Givens, Ashley & Lombardi, Brianna & Cuddeback, Gary S., 2019. "Welfare caseworkers' perceived responsibility for the behavioral needs of children: A national profile," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 80-84.
    2. Keyser, Daniel & Ahn, Haksoon, 2024. "African American Parents’ experience with early childhood mental health and child welfare services: Racism and seeking understanding," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    3. McWey, Lenore M. & Cui, Ming, 2021. "More contact with biological parents predicts shorter length of time in out of home care and mental health of youth in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    4. Xu, Yanfeng & Bright, Charlotte Lyn & Ahn, Haksoon & Huang, Hui & Shaw, Terry, 2020. "A new kinship typology and factors associated with receiving financial assistance in kinship care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).

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