This article reports findings of an exploratory study of 71 parents with substance abuse conditions involved in a child dependency court. Over half (59%) of the parents had a co-occurring mental health condition. Parents with co-occurring conditions (PWCC) differed in several important ways from those with only substance abuse conditions. PWCC…

Reports findings of a recent assessment of the health and social needs of children under age 6 in an area of 85,000 people from different racial, ethnic and income groups located in Boston. This assessment documented resource needs, highlighted specific problems and revealed mistaken priorities. (BR)

Nonprofit family-run organizations, such as Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC), are providing leadership in advocating for and delivering services to children and families in need. Utilizing a family-driven approach and a staff partially comprised of parent-professionals, TVC's Nashville Connection and Family Connection programs have strengthened…

Describes the organization and functioning of a medical consultation program serving a child welfare agency. Shows how child welfare workers, with medical consultation, are in a pivotal position to provide services that promote healthful functioning and facilitate client access to the total health care delivery system. (JH)

Reviews foster child health and the legal background for policy. Discusses components of a comprehensive child health care supervision program. Lack of continuity of care and lack of health information about foster children at time of intake are regarded as major problems contributing to high risk. (NH)

It is well documented that children enter foster care with special health and mental health needs and, while in care, those conditions are often exacerbated. However, less attention has been given to foster parents who have the most contact with these children. Results are presented from a national study on the developmental, health and mental…

Children in child welfare are especially likely to have unmet mental health needs. The role of family factors in children's use of mental health services was examined in a longitudinal sample of 1,075 maltreated or at-risk children. Vulnerable family environment (poor family functioning, low social support, and caregiver psychological distress) is…

This article features three housing programs designed to target the needs of youth aging out of child welfare. One program combines housing and treatment to move substance-dependent youth off the streets; one combines the resources of Urban Peak, the only licensed homeless and runaway youth shelter in Colorado, with the Denver Department of Human…

Reviews issues surrounding the delivery of managed health care services to children in foster care. Details the unique characteristics of children in foster care, including limited medical histories upon entry into foster care, multiple health care needs, lack of a clearly identified medical care coordinator, and frequent placement changes.…

Describes the essential features of a health care system that can meet the special needs of children in out-of-home care. Discusses some of the major recent changes brought about by welfare and health care reform. Notes that it remains to be seen whether the quality of services will improve as a result of these reforms. (Author)

Reports on a study assessing the health status and medical care needs of a sample of 668 foster children from eight New York City child care agencies. Direct clinical examination indicated a prevalence of serious physical, mental and developmental problems. Pathology level was comparable to that of other disadvantaged child populations. (BF)

Reviews the unique health care needs of children in the out-of-home care system and the standards developed over the past decade to deliver comprehensive health care services to this population. Raises key policy and practice questions for each standard to facilitate effective implementation of recommendations makes suggestions for future research…

This article examines findings in three epidemiological studies of day care centers and concludes that higher standards of care can reduce the incidence of hepatitis among parents and staff. (Author/DB)

Describes efforts of residential treatment facilities to collaborate with community-based substance abuse programs to meet the needs of clients. Examines the rationale for and administrative, managerial, and clinical issues relevant to such collaboration. Illustrates the difficulties encountered in establishing effective program linkages and…