If we build it, will they come? An evaluation of uptake and engagement in alternatives to Child Protective Services

 

Project Description:

To improve families’ engagement and uptake in voluntary services outside of CPS, it is important to examine barriers and facilitators on both the agency and family side. The proposed study leverages both primary and secondary data sources. First, the quantitative component leverages population level linked CPS and P&A data from Los Angeles County, following all children with screened out or unsubstantiated CPS referrals. Second, targeted interviews with a sample of families receiving services and a sample of P&A staff making the initial referral will be conducted to understand and interpret patterns observed in, as well as expand on, the quantitative analysis.

 

Abstract:

Research has demonstrated that most families referred to the Child Protection Service (CPS) system are experiencing acute or chronic challenges related to poverty, employment, housing, substance use, criminal justice involvement, mental illness, or domestic violence. Yet, research has also consistently found low rates of referrals and uptake for voluntary services among families reported to CPS. If families are never getting through the front door of support services, there is little opportunity to address these needs or connect them to the programs and resources for which they may be eligible. To improve families’ engagement and uptake in voluntary services outside of CPS, it is important to examine barriers and facilitators on both the agency and family side. The proposed study leverages both primary and secondary data sources to understand uptake and engagement patterns for voluntary services intended to prevent onset or escalation of child maltreatment risk. The voluntary services are structured as personalized assessment and referral services that link families to existing programs, support, and benefits that address self-identified concerns. This approach is consistent with the acknowledged difficulty families face in navigating the eligibility and application processes for programs and social values that position families as experts on identifying their needs. The quantitative component leverages linked CPS and P&A data from Los Angeles County, California for 2018 through 2022, following all families with screened-out and unsubstantiated CPS referrals (N=269,031). Data is currently available and ready for use. Aim 1 will assess difference in P&A referral uptake based on family, case and geographic characteristics. Aim 2 will quantitatively examine three reasons for low and disparate uptake including failed contact (family was unable to be located), cultural mismatch, and perceived stigma associated with CPS. Aim 3 will use targeted interviews with CPS personnel and a stratified sample of families receiving services (by county subarea) will be conducted in order to understand and interpret patterns observed in the quantitative analysis.

 

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