Addressing the unique needs of children and families within the child welfare system

Abstract

The child welfare system helps children experiencing abuse, neglect, and other problems experience safe and permanent living environments. Children who enter this system often present co-occurring emotional/behavioral disorders, as well as compromised learning, often associated with the experience of trauma. There are several barriers and challenges to addressing these concerns in these students, including a lack of collaboration between schools, families, service providers, and other community organizations. Increasing school and community support is vital to promoting psychosocial adjustment and placement stability for these children, especially when they are in out-of-home placements. There is also a strong connection between being involved in the child welfare system, and entering the juvenile justice system, emphasizing the critical role of cross-system collaboration and planning in developing, improving, and expanding programs to assist these youth. School behavioral health programs can provide the context and support to implement the system-wide, trauma-informed approach that will benefit children involved in, or at risk for involvement in the child welfare system.