Developmental Service Referrals and Utilization Among Young Children in Protective Custody.

Children in foster care are at high risk for developmental delay. In this retrospective cohort study of young children presenting to a foster care clinic, 77% were not receiving developmental services and 75% failed developmental screening. Of those potentially eligible, 60% were not referred for developmental services.

Foster care time and characteristics of adolescents under foster care by type of institutional services. Recife, Brazil, 2009-2013. / Tempo de acolhimento e características dos adolescentes acolhidos por tipo de serviços institucionais. Recife, Brasil, 2009-2013.

This study aimed to analyze foster care time and characteristics of adolescents in the institutional foster care services in the city of Recife. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of all adolescents under foster care in the city of Recife-PE, in the period 2009-2013. The information was retrieved by consulting the Individual Assistance Plans (IAP), with 1,300 analyzed plans. Variables were categorized and described from absolute and relative frequency. Pearson's chi-square test was used to verify the association between variables, with a significance level of 0.05. Three types of services were observed: for adolescents who are victims of violence and neglect; at-risk with/without drug use; and with special needs. A predominance of older male adolescents, with lower school attendance, greater use of psychotropic substances, involved with socio-educational measures, suffering death threats and with a higher number of service entries-exits was observed. We can conclude that the different profiles of foster care services should be addressed and investigated in a particular way because they show different difficulties related to the establishment of efficient public policies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o tempo de acolhimento e as características dos adolescentes em serviços de acolhimento institucionais na cidade do Recife. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. A população de estudo consistiu de todos os adolescentes acolhidos na cidade do Recife-PE, no período de 2009-2013. As informações foram obtidas a partir da consulta aos Planos de Atendimento Individualizado, sendo analisados ao todo 1.300. As variáveis foram categorizadas e descritas a partir de frequência absoluta e relativa. Para verificar a associação entre variáveis foi aplicado o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, com grau de significância de 0,05. Foram observados três tipos de serviços: para adolescentes, vítimas de violência e abandono; em situação de risco com e sem uso de drogas; e com necessidades especiais. Foi constatada uma predominância de adolescentes do sexo masculino, mais velhos, com menor frequência escolar, maior uso de substância psicotrópica, envolvimento com medidas socioeducativas, ameaça de morte e maior número de entradas e saídas nos serviços. Conclui-se que os diferentes perfis de serviços de acolhimento devem ser tratados e investigados de forma particular por apresentarem distintas dificuldades para criação de políticas públicas eficientes.

Tempo de acolhimento e características dos adolescentes acolhidos por tipo de serviços institucionais. Recife, Brasil, 2009-2013 / Foster care time and characteristics of adolescents under foster care by type of institutional services. Recife, Brazil, 2009-2013

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o tempo de acolhimento e as características dos adolescentes em serviços de acolhimento institucionais na cidade do Recife. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. A população de estudo consistiu de todos os adolescentes acolhidos na cidade do Recife-PE, no período de 2009-2013. As informações foram obtidas a partir da consulta aos Planos de Atendimento Individualizado, sendo analisados ao todo 1.300. As variáveis foram categorizadas e descritas a partir de frequência absoluta e relativa. Para verificar a associação entre variáveis foi aplicado o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, com grau de significância de 0,05. Foram observados três tipos de serviços: para adolescentes, vítimas de violência e abandono; em situação de risco com e sem uso de drogas; e com necessidades especiais. Foi constatada uma predominância de adolescentes do sexo masculino, mais velhos, com menor frequência escolar, maior uso de substância psicotrópica, envolvimento com medidas socioeducativas, ameaça de morte e maior número de entradas e saídas nos serviços. Conclui-se que os diferentes perfis de serviços de acolhimento devem ser tratados e investigados de forma particular por apresentarem distintas dificuldades para criação de políticas públicas eficientes.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze foster care time and characteristics of adolescents in the institutional foster care services in the city of Recife. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of all adolescents under foster care in the city of Recife-PE, in the period 2009-2013. The information was retrieved by consulting the Individual Assistance Plans (IAP), with 1,300 analyzed plans. Variables were categorized and described from absolute and relative frequency. Pearson's chi-square test was used to verify the association between variables, with a significance level of 0.05. Three types of services were observed: for adolescents who are victims of violence and neglect; at-risk with/without drug use; and with special needs. A predominance of older male adolescents, with lower school attendance, greater use of psychotropic substances, involved with socio-educational measures, suffering death threats and with a higher number of service entries-exits was observed. We can conclude that the different profiles of foster care services should be addressed and investigated in a particular way because they show different difficulties related to the establishment of efficient public policies.

Avaliação dos serviços de acolhimento institucional de crianças e adolescentes no Recife / Evaluation of institutional foster care services for children and adolescents in Recife

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a estrutura e o processo dos acolhimentos institucionais para proteção de crianças e adolescentes vítimas de abandono e/ou violência no Recife. Foi aplicado um questionário estruturado aos responsáveis pelos serviços, e então calculadas as frequências das variáveis e estabelecida a seguinte classificação do grau de implantação: crítico, quando a adequação à norma preconizada for inferior a 40%; inadequado, de 40-59%; aceitável, de 60%- 89%; adequado e ótimo, de 90-100%. Para análise qualitativa foram realizadas entrevistas com um gestor do poder judiciário e três do executivo. Das cinco instituições filantrópicas, duas apresentaram estrutura padrão ótimo, duas, aceitáveis, e uma, inadequada. Dentre as instituições públicas, uma municipal foi considerada inadequada e as demais, aceitáveis. Com relação ao processo, uma instituição apresentou padrão ótimo e as outras, aceitáveis. A análise de conteúdo permitiu observar que os maiores entraves para a realização das medidas previstas pelo Estatuto da Criança e de Adolescente decorrem do uso de drogas, distanciamento geográfico da família, falta de integração com outras instituições e rotatividade dos profissionais.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the structure and process of institutional foster care services for the protection of children and adolescents who are victims of neglect and/or violence in Recife. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to those responsible for the services. Variables frequency were calculated and the following implementation level classification system adopted: critical, when compliance was less than 40% of the recommended standards; inadequate, 40-59%; acceptable, 60%-89%; adequate and excellent, 90-100%. The qualitative analysis consisted in interviews with one manager from the Judiciary and three managers from the Executive. Of the five philanthropic institutions investigated, two had an excellent standard structure; two were acceptable and one inadequate. Among public institutions, one was considered inadequate and the others acceptable. Regarding the process, one institution was found to be excellent and the others acceptable. The content analysis identified that the greatest challenges to introduction of the measures envisaged in the Child and Adolescent Statute are drug use, family geographical remoteness, lack of integration with other institutions and staff turnover.

Child welfare-involved youth with intellectual disabilities: pathways into and placements in foster care.

Existing literature suggests that youth with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for child maltreatment. Little is known about youth with intellectual disabilities who are supervised by child welfare authorities or living in foster care. Reasons for child welfare system involvement and placement types are explored. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, we drew on data from the Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System (AFCARS) for youth in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. A sample of 17,714 youth with intellectual disabilities and a comparison group (n  =  655,536) were identified for 1999. Findings have implications for preventing the removal of youth from caregivers and the promotion of community inclusion of foster youth while in foster care.

[Orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Brazil: where do we stand and where are we heading?]. / Crianças órfãs e vulneráveis pelo HIV no Brasil: onde estamos e para onde vamos?

This study aimed at identifying human rights' status and situation, as expressed in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, of children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, non-orphans and orphans affected by AIDS, based on local and international literature review. The main study findings did not allow to accurately estimating those children and adolescents living with HIV and non-orphans affected by HIV/AIDS but data was available on those living with AIDS and orphans. The limitations and possibilities of these estimates obtained from surveillance systems, mathematical models and surveys are discussed. Though studies in literature are still quite scarce, there is indication of compromise of several rights such as health, education, housing, nutrition, nondiscrimination, and physical and mental integrity. Brazil still needs to advance to meet further needs of those orphaned and vulnerable children. Its response so far has been limited to providing health care to those children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and financing the implementation and maintenance of support homes (shelters according to Child and Adolescent Bill of Rights) for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, either orphans or not. These actions are not enough to ensure a supportive environment for children and adolescents orphaned, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is proposed ways for Brazil to develop and improve databases to respond to these challenges.

Factors associated with institutionalization of children orphaned by AIDS in a population-based survey in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There are increasing numbers of children orphaned by AIDS, especially in countries without universal free AIDS treatment. As institutionalization is associated with bad health and developmental outcomes, we have identified the factors associated with the institutionalization of AIDS orphans in a population-based survey in a city in southern Brazil. METHODS: Using AIDS mortality and healthcare registries from 1998 to 2001, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of children aged 0-14 years who were the survivors of parents dying of AIDS in Porto Alegre. Data were collected by a household survey using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 1131 orphans identified, 75.4% of their caregivers participated. Among participants, 70% had lost their father and 50% their mother, and 21% had lost both parents. At the time of the survey, 41% of the children lived with the mother, 25% lived with grandparents and 5% lived in institutions. In multivariate analysis, HIV positivity multiplied the child's chances of living in an institution by a factor of 4.6, losing its mother by 5.9, losing both parents by 3.7, and having a non-white mother by 4.0. CONCLUSION: This study provides population-based data on what has become of the children of individuals dying of AIDS. Improving the quality of life and averting the institutionalization of AIDS orphans requires interventions to promote the survival of mothers living with AIDS, as well as specific interventions for child family placement. Reducing the stigma of HIV infection in children and racial discrimination present challenges in Brazil.

Health of children adopted from Guatemala: comparison of orphanage and foster care.

OBJECTIVE: Since 1986, American parents have adopted >17300 children from Guatemala. This study assessed the health, growth, and developmental status of 103 Guatemalan adopted children (48 girls; 55 boys) after arrival in the United States. Physical evidence suggestive of prenatal alcohol exposure and adequacy of vaccinations administered were also reviewed. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted of 103 children who were evaluated after arrival in the United States in an international adoption specialty clinic, and a case-matched study was conducted of a subgroup of 50 children who resided in either an orphanage or foster care before adoption. Mean age at arrival was 16 +/- 19 months. Before adoption, 25 children resided in orphanages, 56 resided in foster care, and 22 resided in mixed-care settings. The 25 children who had resided in orphanages before adoption were matched for age at arrival, interval from arrival to clinic visit, and gender with a child adopted from foster care. Health and developmental status of these matched pairs were compared, allowing the first direct comparison of children raised in orphanages or foster care before adoption. RESULTS: Mild growth delays were frequent among the children. Mean z scores for weight, height, and head circumference were, respectively, -1.00, -1.04, and -1.08. Children from foster care had significantly better z scores for height, weight, and head circumference than those from orphanage or mixed care. Among children who were younger than 2 years at arrival, growth measurements correlated inversely with age at arrival. Infectious diseases included intestinal parasites (8%) and latent tuberculosis infection (7%). Other medical conditions included anemia (30%), elevated lead levels (3%), and (using strict criteria) phenotypic facial features suggestive of prenatal alcohol exposure (28%). Adequacy of vaccine records from Guatemala was assessed: 28% met American Academy of Pediatrics standards for vaccine administration. Unsuspected significant medical diagnoses, including congenital anomalies and ocular, neurologic, and orthopedic problems, were found in 14%. Most children were doing well developmentally (80-92% of expected performance), but 14% had global developmental delays. Cognition, expressive and receptive language, and activities of daily living skills correlated inversely with age at arrival for children who were younger than 2 years at adoption. Among the 50 matched children, those who resided in foster care before adoption had better measurements for height, weight, and head circumference at arrival to the United States. Moreover, those who resided in foster care scored significantly better for cognitive skills than those who had previously resided in orphanages (96.3% of age-expected compared with 88.3% of age-expected); other skills did not differ between the 2 groups. No differences were found between the 2 groups of children related to prevalence of medical diagnoses or phenotypic evidence suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Guatemalan adoptees display similar overall patterns of growth and developmental delays as seen in other groups of internationally adopted children, although not as severe. Younger children had better growth and development (cognition, language, and activities of daily living skills) than older children, regardless of location of residence before adoption. Among children who were matched for age, gender, and interval from adoption to evaluation, those who had resided in foster care had better growth and cognitive scores than children who had resided in orphanages before adoption. These findings support the need for timely adoptive placement of young infants and support the placement of children in attentive foster care rather than orphanages when feasible.

Tuberculosis, chickenpox and scabies outbreaks in an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the investigation and management of outbreaks of acute tuberculosis, varicella zoster virus and scabies in a residential facility for children with HIV/AIDS. METHOD: A review of the results and management for diagnosed cases of acute TB (four between 2001 and 2002) as well as varicella zoster virus (15) and scabies (14) (concurrent in March--June 2003), in a residential facility housing 24 abandoned children with HIV/AIDS was conducted. Outbreak control methods and challenges are described The modified WHO criteria were used for TB diagnosis. The diagnoses of varicella and scabies were entirely clinical. RESULTS: Of the surviving 22 children, 12 (mean age 8 years 2 months) were female, and 10 (mean age 5 years 6 months) were male. Full immunization (primary series) was documented for 16 children, partial in one child, unknown status was documented in five children. One child had received varicella vaccine previously. Eleven (50) children had been receiving antiretroviral triple therapy since 2002 (all in Centers for Diseases Control immunological categories 2-3). Two of the four children with tuberculosis died between 2001 and 2002; these were not on antiretroviral therapy--the 2 survivors are still on antiretroviral therapy. All staff mantoux test results were negative. Fifteen (68) children developed chickenpox as well as three caregivers. The index case was a 13-year-old resident attending a nearby school with HIV negative children. This varicella outbreak went on to affect household members for the caregivers as well as other residential facilities nearby. Scabies affected 14 children (no caregivers); the index cases were most likely three new child residents who entered the institution in 2002 (from other homes) with histories of scabies infestation. Chickenpox and scabies dual infection occurred in seven (31) of residents. No cases of herpes zoster, disseminated varicella infection or death because of varicella occurred Diagnosed cases of chickenpox were treated with oral acyclovir Knowledge about these disease outbreaks and their control was generally lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in immunization coverage for children and staff as well as educating staff about infectious disease outbreaks, is necessary for effective control. Appropriate screening for infection/disease for all susceptible persons is essential along with timely reporting of outbreaks/reportable diseases. There is need for in

Tuberculosis, chickenpox and scabies outbreaks in an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the investigation and management of outbreaks of acute tuberculosis, varicella zoster virus and scabies in a residential facility for children with HIV/AIDS. METHOD: A review of the results and management for diagnosed cases of acute TB (four between 2001 and 2002) as well as varicella zoster virus (15) and scabies (14) (concurrent in March--June 2003), in a residential facility housing 24 abandoned children with HIV/AIDS was conducted. Outbreak control methods and challenges are described The modified WHO criteria were used for TB diagnosis. The diagnoses of varicella and scabies were entirely clinical. RESULTS: Of the surviving 22 children, 12 (mean age 8 years 2 months) were female, and 10 (mean age 5 years 6 months) were male. Full immunization (primary series) was documented for 16 children, partial in one child, unknown status was documented in five children. One child had received varicella vaccine previously. Eleven (50%) children had been receiving antiretroviral triple therapy since 2002 (all in Centers for Diseases Control immunological categories 2-3). Two of the four children with tuberculosis died between 2001 and 2002; these were not on antiretroviral therapy--the 2 survivors are still on antiretroviral therapy. All staff mantoux test results were negative. Fifteen (68%) children developed chickenpox as well as three caregivers. The index case was a 13-year-old resident attending a nearby school with HIV negative children. This varicella outbreak went on to affect household members for the caregivers as well as other residential facilities nearby. Scabies affected 14 children (no caregivers); the index cases were most likely three new child residents who entered the institution in 2002 (from other homes) with histories of scabies infestation. Chickenpox and scabies dual infection occurred in seven (31%) of residents. No cases of herpes zoster, disseminated varicella infection or death because of varicella occurred Diagnosed cases of chickenpox were treated with oral acyclovir Knowledge about these disease outbreaks and their control was generally lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in immunization coverage for children and staff as well as educating staff about infectious disease outbreaks, is necessary for effective control. Appropriate screening for infection/disease for all susceptible persons is essential along with timely reporting of outbreaks/reportable diseases. There is need for increased awareness of acute opportunistic infections in children with HIV/AIDS living in close proximity.