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. 2020 Jul:222:35-44.e1.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.03.036. Epub 2020 May 14.

Factors Associated with Child-Welfare Involvement among Prenatally Substance-Exposed Infants

Stephanie Anne Deutsch  1 , Jennifer Donahue  2 , Trenee Parker  3 , Jobayer Hossain  4 , Allan De Jong  5
Affiliations

Factors Associated with Child-Welfare Involvement among Prenatally Substance-Exposed Infants

Stephanie Anne Deutsch et al. J Pediatr. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To assess factors impacting child-welfare involvement and child abuse and neglect outcomes among prenatally substance-exposed infants.

Study design: This was a retrospective review of case registry data regarding substance-exposed infants tracked statewide in Delaware from 2014 to 2018. Differences in maternal, infant, and substance exposure factors by level of child-welfare involvement (screened-in vs screened-out case status) and child abuse and neglect outcomes were examined. Screened-in status was defined as case acceptance for investigation, family assessment, or treatment referral. Using logistic regression, associations between factors and screened-in status and between factors and child abuse and neglect outcomes were assessed. Cases involving child abuse and neglect were analyzed qualitatively.

Results: Among 1222 substance-exposed infants, 70% were screened-in by child welfare for ongoing involvement; 28 (2.3%) of substance-exposed infants were identified as child abuse and neglect victims sustaining serious physical or fatal injury before 1 year of age. Most substance-exposed infants remained with caregivers; few entered foster care. Polysubstance exposure and maternal mental health condition were factors associated with screened-in status. Neither substance exposure type nor maternal mental health condition reliably predicted future child abuse and neglect.

Conclusions: Substance-exposed infants had a significant risk for child abuse and neglect. Although maternal and substance exposure factors were associated with screened-in case status, they unreliably predicted future risk of child abuse and neglect.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Text. Sample safety assessment tool (Sections 1 and 2) in use by Delaware Child Protective Services at the time of study completion
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Text. Sample safety assessment tool (Sections 3 and 4) in use by Delaware Child Protective Services at the time of study completion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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