[Psychiatric disorders in child protection].

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Early adverse experiences (EAEs) profoundly affect stress response systems, brain development, and immunity.
• These early life adversities increase vulnerability to somatic and psychological issues throughout life.
• Children within child welfare systems are disproportionately exposed to EAEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on psychiatric disorders in minors within child protection systems.
• To assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children in child welfare.
• To examine access to care for these vulnerable children.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of existing research on child welfare and psychiatric disorders.
• Evaluation of care access patterns.

Main Results:

• Over half of minors in child protection systems exhibit at least one psychiatric disorder.
• Significant disparities exist in accessing mental health services.
• Care is often delayed for children in the child welfare system.

Conclusions:

• Children in child welfare are at high risk for psychiatric disorders due to EAEs.
• Unequal and delayed access to care exacerbates mental health challenges.
• Urgent interventions are needed to improve mental healthcare for children in protective services.