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Are Two Voices Better Than One? Predicting Permanency in Minority Youth Using Multi-informant Mental Health and Strength Data

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Abstract

Among youth in child welfare ages 6–17 years, 40 % meet the criteria for one or more DSM diagnoses. For minority youth in child welfare, poor mental health is compounded by limited access to care and racial disparity bias, leading to poorer outcomes. This paper uses data collected and analyzed by an automated behavioral health assessment system for a multiyear study that focused on ways to improve case planning in child welfare. Youth, their caseworkers, and, in some cases, parents completed assessments that measured and monitored the youths’ needs and strengths. More than 60 % of youth participating in the study were African-American; permanency rates after six months of case planning were found to be only one third. Predictive factors related to better behavioral health and permanency outcomes are identified and discussed, as well as the implications for improving case planning by incorporating the views of multiple informants, including the youth.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Polaris Health Directions, 444 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 300, Langhorne, PA, 19047, USA

    Linda L. Toche-Manley PhD, Laura Dietzen MS & Jesse Nankin MA

  2. Los Angeles County, Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Astrid Beigel PhD

Authors
  1. Linda L. Toche-Manley PhD
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  2. Laura Dietzen MS
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  3. Jesse Nankin MA
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  4. Astrid Beigel PhD
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Correspondence to Linda L. Toche-Manley PhD.

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Toche-Manley, L.L., Dietzen, L., Nankin, J. et al. Are Two Voices Better Than One? Predicting Permanency in Minority Youth Using Multi-informant Mental Health and Strength Data. J Behav Health Serv Res 41, 356–369 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-012-9280-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-012-9280-4

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