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A Call for Help? Adolescent Neglect Reports as Indicators of Mental and Behavioral Health Struggles
Lindsey Palmer1, Eunhye Ahn2, Sarah Font2
1College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Purpose:
Adolescents facing maltreatment are at an increased risk for negative outcomes, yet Child Protective Services (CPS) interventions are less frequent for this age group. Clarifying the concerns leading to neglect allegations is crucial to enhancing CPS responses and support for adolescents. This study examines the types and contributors to reports of adolescent neglect.
Methods:
A random sample of 993 CPS referrals (2017-2019) from California was analyzed. Data included structured and unstructured elements, categorizing adolescent and family concerns such as parental substance use, domestic violence, adolescent behavior, and mental health.
Results:
Neglect allegations were predominately related to adolescent behavior concerns (44%) and the adolescent's mental health (31%). Suicidality was noted in 31% of mental health-related referrals, accounting for 1 in 10 referrals overall. Parental substance use and lack of protection were commonly denoted family concerns.
Discussion:
Adolescents referred for neglect are often facing acute behavior and mental health challenges, necessitating improved access to mental health services and direct adolescent engagement in care.
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