Journal Articles

Using Cumulative Risk to Screen for Mental Health Problems in Child Welfare

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This study tests the hypothesis that information typically collected during a maltreatment investigation can be used
to screen children for mental health problems. Method: Data are from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent
Well-Being. Cumulative risk scores were created for 3,022 children and compared to reports of clinical-level
problems using standardized measures. Bivariate, multivariate, and sensitivity analyses were used. Results:
Cumulative risk showed 73% sensitivity to identify children with mental health concerns and 52% specificity to identify children without such concerns. Comparatively, child welfare worker indications showed 48% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Conclusions: Investigative information could serve the dual purpose of screening children for mental health problems, having the potential for benefit and cost avoidance.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Research on Social Work Practice

Call Number

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Publisher

California : Sage Publications., 2008

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

1049-7315

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 18, No. 2, Page 144-159

Subject(s)

Cumulative risk
NSCAW
Mental health screening
Child welfare

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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