Maltreatment reports and placement outcomes for infants and toddlers in out-of-home care

This study examines the relationship between child and family characteristics, child abuse and neglect reporting histories, and placement outcomes for a sample of 1,357 infants and toddlers who were placed in foster care prior to the implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-89). A cohort of children entering foster care in six California counties were followed for an average of four years, using data drawn from two management information systems (child protective services and foster care). Among the findings: children with documented prenatal drug and/or alcohol exposure were among those more likely to remain in care during the entire study period, and if they did reunify with their families, were more likely to subsequently reenter care. All children who remained in care were placed after a single report to child protective services. These child welfare outcomes are considered in light of existing child welfare policy and research about developmental risk, yielding practice, policy, and research implications.