Suchergebnisse

ObjectivesSPECTRUM is a unique multi-disciplinary, cross-sector collaborative research partnership between academics, government, and community organizations in Manitoba working together to address complex social problems. In our first research project, partners identified the need for quantitative evidence around outcomes of children involved with Child Protection Services (CPS), using linked administrative data.
ApproachFrom the SPECTRUM partnership, a research team with CPS expertise was established, including government policy-makers, community organizations representing First Nations families, and academics from multiple disciplines. The research is guided by an Advisory Circle of First Nations Knowledge Keepers. Linking health, education, CPS, and justice data we developed a matched cohort identifying children involved with CPS (2007-2018) for whom there was discretion in the decision to 1) place them in out-of-home care (n=19,718), or 2) keep them in their family home while providing services (n=28,154). Instrumental Variable analysis, with CPS agency as the instrument, will be used to compare outcomes.
ResultsFollowing the trajectories of these two groups of CPS-involved children over time, we will compare their mental and physical health, educational achievement, and justice system involvement while accounting for individual-level (e.g., age, sex, chronic health conditions) and family-level (e.g., family income, maternal mental health, number of siblings) factors that may contribute to these outcomes. Preliminary findings will be workshopped with the SPECTRUM partnership to facilitate discussions on framing the evidence for policy makers. The SPECTRUM policy team will then prepare policy recommendations for government to consider. The Advisory Circle and a youth advisory squad will facilitate contextualizing and mobilizing findings. Actions taken by government in response to material provided will be monitored and will inform the development of subsequent research projects conducted by SPECTRUM.
ConclusionGovernment and community stakeholder involvement throughout bolsters the likelihood of evidence translating into program and policy changes. This is not a situation where academics are telling government how to do their jobs – this is government, community organizations, and academics working together with the shared goal of better outcomes for children.

ObjectiveTo provide rigorous quantitative evidence about the impact of out-of-home care on children's outcomes.
ApproachGuided by an Advisory Circle of First Nations (FN) Knowledge Keepers and conducted in partnership with FN researchers, we used linked administrative data to identify all Manitoba children served by Child Protection Services (CPS) at FN agencies (FNA) and other agencies (OA) (2007-2018). We compared health, education, and legal system outcomes of those in care (FNA n=10,856; OA n=8,468) to those with protection concerns but not in care (FNA n=12,896; OA n=14,394). Using instrumental variable analysis with CPS agency rate of out-of-home care as the instrument, outcomes between groups were compared using 2-stage multivariate probit regressions adjusted for child and family factors.
ResultsOdds of teen pregnancy (FNA OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.40-9.77; OA 5.10 (1.83-14.25)), teen birth (FNA 3.23 (1.10-9.49); OA 5.06 (1.70-15.03)), and positive STI tests (FNA ns; OA 7.21 (3.63-14.32)) were higher and odds of vaccination at age 2 (FNA ns; OA 0.49 (0.29-0.80)) were lower for children in care than children not in care. Odds of being accused (FNA ns; OA 2.71 (1.27-5.75)), victim (FNA ns; OA 1.68 (1.10-2.56)), or charged with a crime (FNA ns; OA 2.68 (1.21-5.96)), and odds of being incarcerated (FNA 3.64 (1.95-6.80); OA 1.19 (1.19-8.04)) were higher for children in care.
ConclusionsOut-of-home care negatively affects children's health, social and legal system outcomes.
ImplicationsCPS agencies should work with FN leaders to develop and implement strategies to reduce the number of children taken into care.