Second Generation Families in Child Welfare: The Likelihood of Achieving Reunification

Purpose: There have been numerous empirical examinations of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. Much of this research has focused exclusively on the mechanisms and risks associated with the transmission of abuse. Few studies have addressed the outcomes of youth in foster care who are victims of intergenerational maltreatment. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by focusing specifically on comparing caregiver and child characteristics as well as reunification outcomes for first and second generation victims of abuse and neglect. It is hypothesized that second generation families report a wider range of problems, and thus are less likely to achieve permanency.

Methods: This study examines a subset of data from the Illinois Title IV-E AODA Waiver Demonstration Program. This waiver focuses on parents who have substance abuse issues and have at least one child removed from the home. The design is longitudinal, as we focus on permanency for first and second generation families 3 years following entry into the AODA demonstration project. We use official administrative records from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and a comprehensive assessment completed at the time of temporary custody. The sample includes 1,033 caregivers and 1,917 children. The sample is 81% African American and 8% of the caregivers were involved with DCFS as a child (i.e. intergenerational). Bivariate analyses were used to compare child and caregiver demographics, service needs, AODA involvement, and maltreatment histories. These variables, along with intergenerational maltreatment status, were then analyzed as predictors of children's permanency outcomes via Hierarchical non-Linear Modeling (HLM).

Results: The bivariate analyses indicate that second generation caregivers are less likely to have health insurance. They also report higher rates of domestic violence, education, psychotropic meds, and therapy needs, as well as higher rates of maltreatment after their child has been placed into foster care. Furthermore, children of second generation families have lower rates of being reunified (10% vs. 18%). The HLM analyses suggest that African American children are 27% less likely to be reunified as compared with White children. Second generation families are half as likely to achieve reunification as compared with first generation families.

Implications: These findings indicate that intergenerational victims of maltreatment have more risks and service needs than first generation victims. The intergenerational families are also significantly less likely to achieve reunification. Thus, child welfare policies and service providers should allot more intensive services and perhaps more comprehensive services for intergenerational families. Future research should continue to focus on examining the outcomes of children from intergeneration families and the effect that more intensive intervention efforts have on intergenerational families.