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A Multi-state Study on Mental Health Evaluation for Children Entering Foster Care

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Abstract

When compared with the general United States child population, children entering foster care have elevated rates of mental health problems. This study examines: (1) state approaches to mental health evaluations for children entering foster care for the first time, (2) the consistency of these approaches with professional guidelines, and (3) whether the specific instruments endorsed are supported by available evidence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and a document review of available protocols/policies were conducted for 47 states and the District of Columbia. All states endorsed mental health evaluations; variation existed between states in approach, timeframe, administrator, and specific instruments endorsed.

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Notes

  1. For our study purposes, a distinction was made between child welfare agency policies and protocols. Policies refer to state legislation, court regulations, inter- and intra- child welfare agency policies, or administrative directives. Protocols refer to the formal written procedures of state agencies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Munya Hayek, Christopher Bellonci & Laurel K. Leslie

  2. Tufts Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA

    Munya Hayek & Laurel K. Leslie

  3. Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Thomas I. Mackie, Christina M. Mulé & Jennifer S. Bakan

  4. The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA

    Thomas I. Mackie

  5. May Institute, Randolph, MA, USA

    Christina M. Mulé

  6. Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

    Christina M. Mulé

  7. Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Christopher Bellonci

  8. Institute for Community Health, Cambridge, MA, USA

    Justeen Hyde

  9. Perini Family Survivors’ Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

    Jennifer S. Bakan

  10. Center for Aligning Researchers and Communities for Health, Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, 800 Washington Street, MC 345, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Laurel K. Leslie

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  1. Munya Hayek
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  2. Thomas I. Mackie
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  3. Christina M. Mulé
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Hayek, M., Mackie, T.I., Mulé, C.M. et al. A Multi-state Study on Mental Health Evaluation for Children Entering Foster Care. Adm Policy Ment Health 41, 552–567 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0495-3

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