Child-Maltreatment-Research-L (CMRL) List Serve

Message ID: 10603

Date: 2019-03-01

Author:Hightower, Andrea

Subject:RE: reason for placement

Hello Joseph, Substance Abuse encompasses a wide variety of “substances” including: Alcohol Marijuana (in many states) Etc. Historically a large percentage of concerns that are reported to public child welfare agencies include substance abuse, however that may not be the primary factor in removal. I would guess some states are only reporting in the AFCARS category when substance abuse was the primary factor in removal (as opposed to other concerns). Does that help? Andrea Andrea Hightower Grants Manager, Budget and Finance Arizona Department of Child Safety 3003 N. Central Avenue, 21st Floor Phoenix, AZ 85012 Desk: 602-255-2712 Andrea.Hightower@azdcs.gov AZDCS Website | Twitter | to report child abuse or neglect: 1-888-SOS-CHILD From: bounce-123383134-81331732@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-123383134-81331732@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Joseph Ryan Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2019 9:17 AM To: Child Maltreatment Researcher List (CMRL) Subject: reason for placement CAUTION: This email originated from outside of DCS. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello list members. I am wondering about the accuracy of the "reasons for placement" category reported in AFCARS. Are States confident about how these data are collected and reported? I am particularly interested in the substance abuse indicator. There seems to be consistent stories about the opioid crisis and large increases in the foster care populations around the country. The AFCARS estimates indicate small increases in substance abuse as a reason for placement. I am just curious as to whether there are any studies on how accurate this item is captured. I know several States that suggest this measure is not to be trusted. Just looking for something a bit more empirical. Any leads would be appreciated. Joe -- Joseph P. Ryan, Ph.D. University of Michigan Child and Adolescent Data Lab ssw-datalab.org ' ________________________________ NOTICE: This e-mail (and any attachments) may contain PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the specific individual(s) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential under state and federal law. This information may be used or disclosed only in accordance with law, and you may be subject to penalties under law for improper use or further disclosure of the information in this e-mail and its attachments. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the person named above by reply e-mail, and then delete the original e-mail. Thank you. '

Hello Joseph, Substance Abuse encompasses a wide variety of “substances” including: Alcohol Marijuana (in many states) Etc. Historically a large percentage of concerns that are reported to public child welfare agencies include substance abuse, however that may not be the primary factor in removal. I would guess some states are only reporting in the AFCARS category when substance abuse was the primary factor in removal (as opposed to other concerns). Does that help? Andrea Andrea Hightower Grants Manager, Budget and Finance Arizona Department of Child Safety 3003 N. Central Avenue, 21st Floor Phoenix, AZ 85012 Desk: 602-255-2712 Andrea.Hightowerazdcs.gov AZDCS Website | Twitter | to report child abuse or neglect: 1-888-SOS-CHILD From: bounce-123383134-81331732list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-123383134-81331732list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Joseph Ryan Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2019 9:17 AM To: Child Maltreatment Researcher List (CMRL) Subject: reason for placement CAUTION: This email originated from outside of DCS. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello list members. I am wondering about the accuracy of the "reasons for placement" category reported in AFCARS. Are States confident about how these data are collected and reported? I am particularly interested in the substance abuse indicator. There seems to be consistent stories about the opioid crisis and large increases in the foster care populations around the country. The AFCARS estimates indicate small increases in substance abuse as a reason for placement. I am just curious as to whether there are any studies on how accurate this item is captured. I know several States that suggest this measure is not to be trusted. Just looking for something a bit more empirical. Any leads would be appreciated. Joe -- Joseph P. Ryan, Ph.D. University of Michigan Child and Adolescent Data Lab ssw-datalab.org ' ________________________________ NOTICE: This e-mail (and any attachments) may contain PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the specific individual(s) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential under state and federal law. This information may be used or disclosed only in accordance with law, and you may be subject to penalties under law for improper use or further disclosure of the information in this e-mail and its attachments. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the person named above by reply e-mail, and then delete the original e-mail. Thank you. '