Skip Navigation

Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

Sign up for MCHalert eNewsletter

Search Results: MCHLine

Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.

Displaying records 21 through 40 (77 total).

Cooper JL, Banghart P, Aratani Y. 2010. Addressing the mental health needs of young children in the child welfare system: What every policymaker should know. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, 23 pp.

Annotation: This issue brief explores what is currently known about the prevalence of young children (from birth through age 5) in the child welfare system, how the occurrence of maltreatment of neglect affects their development, and the services currently offered vs those that young children need. The brief is based on the "Strengthening Early Childhood Mental Health Supports in Child Welfare Systems" emerging issue roundtable convened by the National Center for Children in Poverty in June 2009. The brief explains why focusing on mental health in the child welfare system is important and discusses why it is appropriate to focus on young children, characteristics of young children in the system, mental heath needs, services being received, barriers to care, existing policy models that ensure access to care for young children, and opportunities.

Keywords: Access to health care, Child neglect, Child welfare, Child welfare agencies, Infants, Low income groups, Maltreated children, Mental health, Public policy, Young children

Klain E, Pilnik L, Talati E, Maze CL, Diamond-Berry K, Hudson L. 2009. Healthy beginnings, healthy futures: A judge's guide. Washington, DC: American Bar Association, ABA Center on Children and the Law, 150 pp.

Annotation: This guide addresses the array of health needs of very young children in the child welfare system. The guide provides research-based tools and strategies to help judges promote better outcomes for infants and young children who enter their courtrooms. Topics include (1) meeting the needs of very young children in dependency court, (2) promoting physical health, (3) addressing early mental health and developmental needs, (4) achieving permanency, and (5) improving the court's response. Practice tips related to each of these topics are offered, as well. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Child health, Child welfare agencies, Courts, Early childhood development, Health promotion, Infant, Infant development, Mental health, Research, Young children

Greenbook National Evaluation Team. 2008. The Greenbook Initiative: Final evaluation report. [Washington, DC: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 68 pp., plus appendices.

Annotation: This final evaluation report assesses the extent to which Greenbook implementation activities facilitated cross-system and within-system change and practice in the child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and domestic violence service providers. The Greenbook provides principles and recommendations to guide communities and these three primary systems on how to respond to families experiencing domestic violence and child maltreatment.

Keywords: Social services, Child abuse, Child welfare agencies, Courts, Domestic violence, Maltreated children, Program evaluation

Pires SA with Lazear KJ, Conlan L. 2008. Building systems of care: A primer for child welfare. Washington, DC: National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health, 165 pp.

Annotation: This primer is a companion document to Primer Hands On—Child Welfare, a web-based training resource for leaders involved in building systems of care for children, adolescents, and families involved or at risk for involvement in the child welfare system. The primer targets system builders who can provider leadership in building systems of care for this population. The primer reviews the history, values, principles, and operational characteristics of systems of care and how these are applied in child welfare; describes and provides examples of effective system-building processes; explores some key functions that require structure in systems of care; and discusses examples of structural arrangements that promote improved outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescents, Child welfare, Child welfare agencies, Children, Families, Leadership, Service delivery systems, Training

Freudlich M. 2007. Time for reform: Investing in prevention—Keeping children safe at home. Philadelphia, PA: Pew Charitable Trusts, 39 pp.

Annotation: This report examines the role that child welfare programs play in keeping children safe and helping families stay together whenever possible. The report describes the continuum of prevention and re-unification services that must be in place to (1) prevent child abuse from occuring or from re-occuring or intensifying, (2) prevent children from unnecessarily entering foster care, and (3) promote the safe and timely re-unification of children in foster care with their families when possible. The report also highlights some prevention and re-unification programs that have shown promising results, describes federal efforts to support these practices, and examines how federal foster care financing limits states' ability to providing prevention and re-unification services. Recommendations are included.

Keywords: Child abuse, Child welfare agencies, Families, Financing, Foster care, Foster children, Prevention, Programs, Safety, Services, State programs

Hudson L, Klain E, Smariga M, Youcha V. 2007. Healing the youngest children: Model court-community partnerships. Washington, DC: American Bar Association, ABA Center on Children and the Law and Zero to Three Policy Center, 30 pp. (Practice and policy brief: Baby briefs)

Annotation: This paper describes and furnishes sample cases of four model court-community partnerships that exhibit improved outcomes in providing for the developmental needs of very young children in the welfare system and their families. Dynamic factors of these programs include: systems change, which defines the roles of judges, service providers, lawyers, and the community; focus on services for very young children; procedural enhancements; and sustainability efforts. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Child protective services, Child welfare agencies, Children with special health care needs, Community programs, Courts, Foster care, Foster children, Infants, Maltreated children, Model programs, Toddlers, Welfare services

Zielewski EH, Malm K, Geen R. 2006. Children caring for themselves and child neglect: When do they overlap?. Washington, DC: Urban Institute, 33 pp. (Assessing the new federalism, discussion paper 06-03)

Annotation: This paper describes an exploratory study to examine how local child welfare agencies respond when they receive reports of children who are taking care of themselves (self-care), including how they determine whether unsupervised children are victims of child neglect. The paper defines self-care, discusses its prevalence, and presents the methodology used in the study. The paper also discusses the following issues: (1) whether child protective agencies perceive self-care as an important issue, (2) why families leave children unattended or inadequately supervised, (3) who reports cases involving self-care and inadequate supervision, (4) what are caseworker practices, and (5) findings and implications. References are included.

Keywords: Child neglect, Child welfare agencies, Children, Families, Parent child relations, Supervision

Clyman RB. 2005. Healthy Tomorrows for Denver's Families: Final report and abstract. Denver, CO: Kempe Children's Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 113 pp.

Annotation: This final report focuses on the Healthy Tomorrows for Denver's Families project during the period March1, 2000, through February 28, 2005. The purpose of this project was to address the needs of maltreated infants involved with child welfare services in Denver County, Colorado. Report sections include the following: (1) pupose of project and relationship to Social Security Administration Title V maternal and child health programs, (2) goals and objectives, (3) methodology, (4) evaluation, (5) results and outcomes, (6) publications and products, (7) dissemination and utilizaiton of results, (8) future plans and follow-up, and (9) type and amount of support and resources needed to replicate. Also included are literature citations and three appendices: (1) measures for infants and caregivers, (2) goals and objectives, and (3) publications and products. The project was part of the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children program. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Child abuse, Child welfare agencies, Colorado, Final reports, High risk infants, Infants, Maltreated children

Early Head Start National Resource Center. 2005. Supporting infants and toddlers in the child welfare system: The hope of Early Head Start. Washington, DC: Early Head Start National Resource Center, 36 pp. (Technical assistance paper no. 9)

Annotation: This paper provides information about Early Head Start (EHS) and its support of infants and young children in the child welfare system (CWS). Topics include risk and vulnerabilities of infants and young children in the CWS, EHS services, suspecting and reporting child abuse and neglect, EHS's partnership with CWS, supporting staff, the EHS/CWS initiative, and the EHS/CWS evaluation framework.

Keywords: Child abuse, Child health, Child neglect, Child welfare agencies, Early Head Start, Early intervention services, Families, High risk groups, Infant development. Early childhood development, Infant health, Infants, Initiatives, Low income groups, Vulnerability, Young children

U.S. General Accounting Office. 2003. Child welfare and juvenile justice: Federal agencies could play a stronger role in helping states reduce the number of children placed solely to obtain mental health services. Washington, DC: U.S. General Accounting Office, 60 pp.

Annotation: This report reviews the numbers and characteristics of children voluntarily placed in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in order to receive mental health services, the factors that influence such placements, and promising state and local practices that may reduce the need for some child welfare and juvenile justice placements. The report outlines the results, background, available estimates, multiple factor that influence decisions to place children, a brief review of state practices, conclusions, recommendations, and agency comments. The appendices provide information on the scope and methodology of the study; a chart of state statutes containing language allowing voluntary placement to obtain mental health services; and comments from the federal Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice. The final appendix provides General Accounting Office contacts and acknowledgments.

Keywords: Antisocial behavior, Child behavior, Child mental health, Child welfare, Federal agencies, Juvenile courts, Mental health services, State surveys

U.S. General Accounting Office. 2003. Child welfare: Most states are developing statewide information systems, but the reliability of child welfare data could be improved. Washington, DC: U.S. General Accounting Office, 66 pp.

Annotation: This report focuses on the following issues: (1) states' experiences in developing child welfare information systems and the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS') role in assisting in their development, (2) factors that affect the reliability of data that states collect and report on children served by their welfare agencies, and DHHS's role in ensuring the reliability of those data, and (3) practices that child welfare agencies use to overcome challenges associated with the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System's (SACWIS's) development and data reliability. Four appendices include the scope and methodology, state SACWIS stages of development, comments from DHHS, and General Accounting Office (GAO) contacts and acknowledgments. Statistical information is presented in tables and figures throughout the report. The report concludes with a bibliography and a list of related GAO products.

Keywords: Child welfare agencies, Data, Data collection, Department of Health and Human Services, Information systems

McCarthy J, Marshall A, Collins J, Arganza G, Deserly K, Milon J. 2003. A family's guide to the child welfare system. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development and American Institutes for Research, Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health, 128 pp.

Annotation: This guide is geared toward families who are involved in the child welfare system. The guide provides information about the experiences families have had with the child welfare system as well as system laws and policies, people in the system, ways to advocate for a family's rights, parents' responsibilities, and practical tips from parents. The guide is divided into 10 sections covering the following topics: (1) a description of the system, (2) a description of child protective services, (3) the service planning process, (4) how families can participate in services in their own homes and communities, (5) how out-of-home placement works, (6) what happens when families cannot afford treatment services for their children, (7) choices for permanent placements, (8) the Indian Child Welfare Act, (9) rights and responsibilities, and (10) the approaches being used to improve the system. The guide also includes a list of terms, a discussion of related federal laws and policies, and a resources section.

Keywords: Administrative policy, Advocacy, Child protective services, Child welfare, Child welfare agencies, Children, Communities, Costs, Families, Family support services, Indian health services, Legislation, Low income groups, Responsibility

Halfon N, Inkelas M, Flint R, Shoaf K, Zepeda A, Franke T. 2002. Assessment of factors influencing the adequacy of health care services to children in foster care: Executive summary. Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, 34 pp.

Annotation: This document summarizes a study examining the readiness of state and local child welfare, child health, mental health, and Medicaid agencies to promote children's well-being by more systematically meeting the health needs of children in foster care. It evaluates the gaps between current agency performance and the best practices for health and mental health services for children in foster care developed by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The study also shows the extent to which child health, mental health, and Medicaid agencies have the policies and administrative procedures in place to help child welfare agencies achieve their objectives and ultimately improve children's well-being. The full report contains chapters on the following: (1) adoption and implementation of CWLA/AAP standards, (2) structure and organization of health care services delivery for children in foster care, (3) delivery of health care services to children in foster care, (4) performance monitoring, (5) Financing of health services, and (6) mental health services. References are provided in the full report, along with an appendix containing CWLA standards compared to survey content. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Child care services, Child health, Child mental health, Child welfare agencies, Family support services, Foster care, Foster children, Health care delivery, Health care financing, Medicaid, Program evaluation

DeVita CJ, Mosher-Williams R , eds. 2001. Who speaks for America's children? The role of child advocates in public policy. Washington, DC: Urban Institute Press, 219 pp.

Annotation: This volume examines the history and experiences of child advocacy organizations in safeguarding and improving the welfare of children. Its objective is to explore how child advocacy organizations can more effectively raise the public's awareness of children's issues and advance public policy at the federal, state, and local levels. The volume is divided into two sections. The first section examines the current infrastructure for child advocacy organizations, the extent to which the organizations can rely on financial support from foundations, and the role of these organizations in the democratic decision-making process. Topics include the roles of nonprofit organizations; Medicaid and SCHIP; and the nonprofit sector. The second section looks at how child advocacy organizations have historically worked at creating and maintaining constituencies and at the prospects for creating a self-sustaining, constituent-based child advocacy movement in the future. Topics include advocacy for families and children, reform issues in Medicaid and SCHIP; preschool advocacy, and mobilizing parents and communities for children. The book concludes with an index.

Keywords: Access to health care, Child advocacy, Child welfare, Child welfare agencies, Children, Fundraising, Insurance, Medicaid, Nonprofit organizations, Policy development, Public policy, State Children's Health Insurance Program

DC Action for Children. 1999-. What's in it for kids?: A budget and program analysis for the District of Columbia FY 20__. Washington, DC: DC Action for Children, annual.

Annotation: This report discusses the fiscal year budget for the District of Columbia, emphasizing the funding available for programs to benefit children, youth, and families. The report begins with background information including a historical timeline on the budget process. It explains how to advocate for children, youth, and families. Subsequent chapters provide detailed information on programs and budget in the following areas: welfare and other government benefit programs, child welfare, early childhood development, juvenile delinquency and crime prevention, homelessness, recreation, maternal and child health, mental health, the Children and Youth Investment Fund, and the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund. A glossary, a list of city government officials and agencies, and a list of other important addresses and phone numbers are included at the end.

Keywords: Advocacy, Budgets, Budgets, Child health, Child welfare, Children, City agencies, District of Columbia, Early childhood development, Families, Homelessness, Juvenile delinquency, Maternal health, Mental health, Prevention, Program evaluation, Recreation, Tobacco, Welfare programs, Youth

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. 1999. Blending perspectives and building common ground: A report to Congress on substance abuse and child protection. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, 175 pp.

Annotation: This report on substance abuse and child protection describes: (1) the extent and scope of the problem of substance abuse in the child welfare population; (2) the types of services provided to this population; (3) the effectiveness of these services; and (4) recommendations for legislative changes that might be needed to improve service coordination. Appendices provide information on Medicaid services for substance abuse treatment, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment comprehensive treatment model for alcohol and other drug abusing women and their children, and key federal programs that fund substance abuse and child welfare services and research.

Keywords: Child abuse, Child neglect, Child protective services, Child welfare, Collaboration, Family support, Family violence, Federal agencies, Health occupations, Intervention, Maltreated children, Prevention, Social services, Statistics, Substance abuse prevention, Substance abuse treatment services, Substance abusers, Substance use behavior

Ireys HT, Greene S, Massey S. 1998. Using data to enhance quality of care for children with special needs: The role of data warehouses and repositories. Baltimore, MD: National Policy Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, 38 pp. (Technical resource brief)

Annotation: The purposes of this resource brief are to describe the emerging role of data warehouses and repositories and identify key approaches for using them to improve quality of care provided to children with special needs. The brief is designed to be of use to managed care administrators, providers, state Medicaid and Title V agencies, and families. It illustrates how the current demand for quality of care measures can be addressed by integrated data. It is a product of collaboration from the policy center and Health Services for Children with Special Health Needs, Inc., the District of Columbia's managed care organization for children receiving Supplemental Security Income. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Children with special health care needs, Data, Data sources, Families, Managed care, Medicaid managed care, Quality assurance, State welfare agencies, Title V programs

Lindenmeyer K. 1997. A right to childhood: The U.S. Children's Bureau and child welfare, 1912-1946. Urbana, IL: University Of Illinois Press , 368 pp.

Annotation: This publication presents a history of the U.S. Children's Bureau from 1912 to 1946. It discusses such topics as the origins of the Bureau from 1900, promoting maternal and child health, the 1921 Maternity and Infancy Act (Sheppard-Towner), child labor reform, social policy for children with special needs, security for children during the Depression, and activities during World War II. A selected bibliography is included.

Keywords: Child welfare, Children's Bureau, Federal MCH programs, Federal agencies, History

Phillips D, Bridgman A, eds., National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, National Research Council, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. 1997. New findings on welfare and children's development: Summary of a research briefing. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 32 pp.

Collins A. 1997. Anticipating the effects of federal and state welfare changes on systems that serve children. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, 11 pp. (Children and welfare reform issue brief; 2)

Annotation: This paper focuses on how federal and state welfare initiatives may have an impact on state and community policies and systems that serve children and families. It discusses the implications of welfare reform, strategies to link agencies so that they can best help children, and how to develop support systems to implement these strategies.

Keywords: Access to health care, Block grants, Child care, Child health, Child welfare, Federal legislation, Health care reform, MCH programs, Medicaid, State health agencies, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Welfare reform
« Previous Page     Next Page »

The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.