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Understanding Health Risks for Adolescents in Protective Custody
Sarah J Beal1,2, Katie Nause2, Imani Crosby2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Summary
Youth in child welfare protective custody face significant health risks, including mental health conditions and chronic medical issues. Early identification and intervention are crucial to improve long-term health outcomes for these vulnerable adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Public Health
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Children in protective custody experience higher rates of health concerns than the general population.
- These health disparities persist into adulthood, marked by poorer health, reduced quality of life, and increased health risks.
- Key issues include mental health conditions, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and HIV diagnoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mental health conditions, chronic medical conditions, and health risk behaviors among youth in protective custody.
- To inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for improving health outcomes while youth are in care.
- To identify predictors of health risks within this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linked electronic health records and child welfare administrative data for 351 youth aged 15 and older.
- Analyzed data to identify prevalence of mental health diagnoses, chronic medical conditions, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors.
- Examined demographic and care-related factors as predictors of identified health risks.
Main Results:
- 41.6% of youth had a mental health diagnosis (depression, behavior disorders common).
- 41.3% experienced chronic medical conditions (allergies, obesity, vision/hearing issues).
- 39.6% reported substance use and 37.0% engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Female youth, longer care durations, and congregate/independent living settings were associated with higher risks.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of youth in protective custody have identifiable mental health, chronic medical, and behavioral health concerns.
- Adolescents in care longer and those in non-family settings are particularly vulnerable.
- Maintaining connections to health and mental health services is vital, with tailored interventions needed for high-risk groups.
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